Chris Shea, the Republican congressional candidate in Connecticut’s 5th District, believes he can win the general election in November by targeting unaffiliated voters. Despite many political analysts projecting Rep. Jahana Hayes will keep the seat, Shea remains confident.

Unaffiliated Voters Key to Victory

Shea sees an opportunity with unaffiliated voters, who outnumber registered Democrats and Republicans in municipalities like Waterbury. According to the Cook Partisan Voting Index, Hayes’ district doesn’t have an overwhelming Democratic advantage.

Shea has been critical of Hayes’ stance on economic affordability issues and has used cultural grievances, such as participation of trans people in sports and stronger immigration enforcement, as part of his platform.

Response from Hayes

Hayes responded to Shea’s attacks, stating that voters are focused on quality of life issues, including affordability, healthcare, and wars. Shea won a contentious primary and has supported many of President Donald Trump’s policies.

Mara Suttmann-Lea, a government and international relations professor at Connecticut College, noted that Republican primary voters reflected internal divisions within the party. Ben Proto, chair of the state’s Republican Party, said the Democratic Party has an identity crisis, being taken over by more progressive elements.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.