Jahana Hayes
Jahana Hayes | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2018 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 5th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Elizabeth Esty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jahana Flemming March 8, 1973 Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Milford Hayes |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Naugatuck Valley Community College (AA) Southern Connecticut State University (BA) University of Saint Joseph (MA) University of Bridgeport (SYC) |
| Website | House website |
Jahana Hayes (née Flemming: born March 8, 1973) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 5th congressional district since 2019. The district, once represented by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, comprises much of the state's northwestern portion, including New Britain, Danbury, and Waterbury. A member of the Democratic Party, Hayes is the first Black woman and Black Democrat to represent Connecticut in Congress. She is also the first African American woman from a low income background to be elected to Congress. She was recognized as the National Teacher of the Year in 2016.