The Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America (CT DSA) has endorsed Justin Farmer, a former Hamden Legislative Council member, in the three-way race for a west-side state House of Representatives seat.

Local Angle

The 92nd General Assembly District, which Farmer is running to represent, covers parts of Amity, Westville, Edgewood, Dwight, and the Hill. Farmer will face off against State Rep. Pat Dillon, a 21-term incumbent and deputy majority leader, and Eli Sabin, a former downtown alder, in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary election.

CT DSA posted its endorsement of Farmer on Instagram on June 11, citing his track record of advocating for brownfield remediation, abolishing prison gerrymandering, and supporting the creation of the Right to Counsel program. Farmer has also stood with immigrant communities, marched with Black Lives Matter New Haven, and built a block of socialist legislators and organizers who share his vision.

National Context

Nationwide, the DSA saw a surge in membership following Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 and 2020 runs for president. The group has returned to the political limelight with the rise of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and victories this month in primaries in New York.

Farmer spoke about how the DSA in New York City gets a lot of national attention, but Connecticut’s has been putting in the work and deserves acclaim as well — particularly for its advocacy for lawyers for low-income tenants in housing court and for reforms to statewide Fair Rent Commission laws.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.