Jahana Hayes

In 2016, Jahana Hayes was named the National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). She was recognized for her extraordinary achievements in education and her ability to inspire her students. As a teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, she was instrumental in elevating the importance of education and community involvement among her students.

On November 6, 2018, Jahana Hayes was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Connecticut's 5th congressional district. Her victory marked a significant milestone as she became the first African American woman to represent Connecticut in Congress. Her campaign focused on issues such as education, health care, and economic opportunity, and her win was part of a historic wave of diverse candidates elected across the country during the 2018 midterm elections.

Jahana Hayes was officially sworn into the 116th United States Congress on January 3, 2019. As a member of Congress, she joined a historically diverse cohort of freshmen representatives, many of whom were women and people of color. Hayes emphasized her commitment to improving public education, addressing economic inequality, and advocating for comprehensive healthcare as part of her legislative priorities.

On August 11, 2020, Jahana Hayes won the Democratic primary for her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Running on her record of advocacy for education and economic reform, she successfully secured her spot on the ballot for the general election. Her primary victory underscored her continued support within her district and her commitment to serving her constituents.

Jahana Hayes was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 3, 2020, representing Connecticut's 5th congressional district. Hayes continued her work on key legislative priorities including education reform, economic development, and healthcare access. Her re-election highlighted her effective representation and connection with the constituents of her district, affirming her role as their advocate in Washington, D.C.

On January 6, 2021, Representative Jahana Hayes was present in the U.S. Capitol when it was stormed by rioters attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The event was a significant moment in U.S. history, seeing violence and disruption at the heart of American democracy. Hayes later spoke out about her experiences during the riot and the importance of protecting democratic institutions and ensuring accountability.

On June 22, 2021, Rep. Jahana Hayes introduced significant legislation aimed at improving education and workforce development. The proposed bill sought to enhance career readiness programs across the nation, emphasizing the need for modern skills and education to align with the job market demands. Hayes positioned this legislation as a crucial step toward preparing the future workforce and addressing the evolving economic landscape.

On November 8, 2022, Jahana Hayes was re-elected for a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing to serve Connecticut's 5th congressional district. Her third term campaign continued to emphasize strong leadership in education, healthcare, and social justice. Hayes' re-election reinforced her constituents' trust in her ability to effectively represent their interests on a national level.