
Representative Jahana Hayes was first elected to Congress in 2018. She is the first African-American Congresswoman from Connecticut. Prior, she worked as a teacher and was recognized as National Teacher of the Year by President Obama in 2016. In her capacity as Teacher of the Year, she traveled the country and the world to empower public educators and worked on policies designed to improve outcomes for students. Rep. Hayes is firmly aligned with our values, which has been showcased by her tireless advocacy in Congress. She currently sits on the House Committees of Agriculture and Education & the Workforce. JDCA endorsed Rep. Hayes in 2022 and 2024.