Jahana Hayes
Connecticut, Congress (CA-22)
A former National Teacher of the Year, Jahana Hayes was elected to serve as the U.S. Representative for CT-05 in 2019.
Born and raised in public housing in Waterbury, Connecticut, Hayes faced significant challenges growing up, including poverty and substance abuse in her family. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically, and became the first in her family to graduate from college. After graduating from Naugatuck Valley Community College, Hayes attended Southern Connecticut State University, the University of Saint Joseph, and the University of Bridgeport, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and secondary education, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, and a 6th year degree in administrative leadership.
Born and raised in public housing in Waterbury, Connecticut, Hayes faced significant challenges growing up, including poverty and substance abuse in her family. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically, and became the first in her family to graduate from college. After graduating from Naugatuck Valley Community College, Hayes attended Southern Connecticut State University, the University of Saint Joseph, and the University of Bridgeport, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and secondary education, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, and a 6th year degree in administrative leadership.
On the Issues
Hayes's first venture into politics came in 2018, when she ran for the open seat in Connecticut's 5th district. Hayes emphasized her background as an educator and her commitment to issues like health care access, gun violence prevention, and education funding. She won her first election by more than 11 percentage points.
In Congress, Hayes has continued to prioritize education, securing a spot on the House Committee on Education and Labor. She has used that assignment to advocate for policies to increase teacher pay, expand early childhood education, and make higher education more affordable.
As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Hayes has also been a vocal advocate for racial justice and civil rights. She has pushed for policies to address systemic racism, reform the criminal justice system, and promote greater diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.
In Congress, Hayes has continued to prioritize education, securing a spot on the House Committee on Education and Labor. She has used that assignment to advocate for policies to increase teacher pay, expand early childhood education, and make higher education more affordable.
As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Hayes has also been a vocal advocate for racial justice and civil rights. She has pushed for policies to address systemic racism, reform the criminal justice system, and promote greater diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.
Events and Actions
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