Blumenthal Plans 2028 Senate Reelection Bid
The three-term Connecticut Democrat says he expects to be on the ballot in 2028 and will make a formal announcement within weeks.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a three-term Democrat from Connecticut, signaled his intention to seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2028 during a post-election news conference with Gov. Ned Lamont. He said he has no formal announcement yet but looks forward to being on the ballot.
Why it matters
Blumenthal, who is 80 years old, has held his Senate seat since 2010, so his decision shapes who will represent Connecticut in Washington over the next term. His plans also set the stage for the state's 2028 political landscape.
Blumenthal won his 2022 race 57.5% to 42.5% over Leora Levy, a margin that followed his 2010 Senate victory over Linda McMahon despite being outspent 7-to-1. His formal 2028 decision has not been announced, and the timing is still unconfirmed.
The players
Richard Blumenthal
A Democratic U.S. senator from Connecticut who previously served as the state's attorney general from 1991 to 2011 and in the state House of Representatives beginning in 1984.
Ned Lamont
The Democratic governor of Connecticut, with whom Blumenthal appeared at the post-election news conference where he discussed his political plans.
The details
Blumenthal made his intentions known when asked about his political future at a post-election news conference outside the state Capitol in Hartford. He told CT Insider in mid-October that he would make an announcement one way or the other.
Timeline
2010: Blumenthal first elected to the U.S. Senate.
1991 to 2011: Blumenthal served as Connecticut attorney general.
2016: Blumenthal re-elected to the U.S. Senate.
2022: Blumenthal defeated Leora Levy for a third term.
Later this month or next month: Blumenthal expected to make official 2028 announcement.
Political Context
Blumenthal's first Senate win came in 2010 over Linda McMahon, a race he won while being outspent 7-to-1. His willingness to seek a fourth term extends a record of winning Connecticut Senate contests despite fundraising disadvantages.
Connecticut voters will have a say on whether Blumenthal holds his seat for a fourth term, which affects the state's representation in the U.S. Senate. The formal announcement will clarify whether a 2028 contest is set.
The takeaway
Blumenthal's expected announcement will show whether Connecticut's longest-serving Senate incumbent in recent decades plans to keep his seat in 2028. Voters should watch for the formal filing and campaign launch in the coming weeks.
What happens next
Blumenthal is expected to make an official announcement about his 2028 plans later this month or next month.
Further reading
Explore more on Connecticut elections to follow how the 2028 Senate race develops.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CT Insider.
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