A retired U.S. Navy SEAL and North Haven firefighter, **Christopher Shea**, has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Connecticut’s **5th District** Congressional race. This announcement comes as **Shea** aims to challenge the incumbent representative, **Jahana Hayes**, a Democrat who has held the position since **2019**.
On **Thursday**, Shea expressed his commitment to the district, declaring, “Connecticut’s Fifth District is hardworking and grounded in common sense.” He criticized the current leadership for aligning with extreme political views in Washington, which he argues have led to rising energy costs and compromised public safety. “That’s exactly why we need new leadership,” he stated.
**Shea** has a distinguished military background, having served in the U.S. Navy since **1991**. His service includes deployments to **Sarajevo**, **Afghanistan**, and **Mexico**, where he participated in various elite teams and task forces. In addition to his military career, he is the founder of the nonprofit organization **Hero to Hero**, which focuses on supporting veterans.
In his campaign, Shea emphasized that his sense of duty extends beyond retirement. “I’ve spent my entire adult life serving this country—overseas in uniform and here at home protecting our communities,” he remarked. He aims to bring a focus on “service, accountability, and common-sense leadership” to Washington. Shea highlighted his goals of restoring stability and affordability for families in the 5th District, asserting that “people must come before politics.”
Shea is not the only Republican in the race; he faces competition from **Jonathan De Barros** of **Plymouth** and **Michele Botelho** of **Danbury**. The 5th District encompasses a diverse region, including all of **Litchfield County**, parts of the **Farmington Valley**, and sections of **New Haven** and **Fairfield** counties, totaling **41 towns**.
As Shea embarks on his campaign, he aims to resonate with voters who prioritize practical solutions and a return to common sense in governance. His military background and commitment to public service may appeal to constituents seeking a representative with a strong sense of duty and leadership.
