Jahana Hayes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jahana Hayes
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 5th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Elizabeth Esty |
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| 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 ([|Sixth-Year Diploma]) |
Jahana Hayes (born March 8, 1973) is an American educator and politician. She serves as a U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 5th district. She has held this role since 2019. This district covers a large part of northwestern Connecticut. It includes cities like New Britain, Danbury, and Waterbury.
Jahana Hayes is a member of the Democratic Party. She made history as the first Black woman and the first Black Democrat to represent Connecticut in the U.S. Congress. Before becoming a politician, she was recognized as the National Teacher of the Year in 2016.
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Early Life and Education
Jahana Hayes was born on March 8, 1973, in Waterbury, Connecticut. She grew up in public housing in that city. She worked hard to get her education.
She earned an associate degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College. Later, she received a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2012, Hayes earned a master's degree in teaching from the University of Saint Joseph. She also earned a special Sixth-Year Certificate in education from the University of Bridgeport in 2014.
Teaching Career and National Recognition
Jahana Hayes started her career working at the Southbury Training School in Connecticut. She then became a government and history teacher. She taught at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury.
At the high school, she also led a special program for gifted students. She helped advise a student club focused on community service. In 2015, she was named Teacher of the Year for her school and then for the entire Waterbury School District. Her dedication led her to be named National Teacher of the Year in 2016.
This national award brought her a lot of attention. Hayes spoke about the importance of teaching. She told The Washington Post that people should focus on the good things happening in education. She also appeared on Ellen DeGeneres's talk show. There, she shared that she taught her students about kindness and helping their community. She thanked the National Education Association for supporting teachers.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative: The Elections
2018 Election
In 2018, Jahana Hayes decided to run for Congress. She wanted to represent Connecticut's 5th congressional district. Her own challenging childhood was a key part of her campaign. She shared her experiences of growing up in tough neighborhoods.
Hayes won the Democratic primary election on August 14. She beat Mary Glassman, who was supported by the state Democratic Party. Hayes received 62% of the votes. In the main election in November, she ran against Republican Manny Santos.
Hayes strongly supports public education and teachers' unions. She believes her "union brothers and sisters" helped her succeed. The Connecticut Education Association supported her in the 2018 election. The Connecticut Working Families Party also backed her. They said her win showed the importance of electing teachers who will fight for public education.
On November 6, Hayes won the election. She became the first Black Democratic woman to serve in the House from Connecticut. She and Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts were the first women of color elected to Congress from New England.
2020 Election
Hayes ran for reelection in 2020. She won her second term. She defeated the Republican candidate, David X. Sullivan. She received 55.1% of the votes.
2022 Election
In 2022, Hayes ran for reelection again. This election was very close. She narrowly won against Republican state Senator George Logan.
Committee Work in Congress
As a member of Congress, Jahana Hayes works on important committees. For the 118th Congress, she is part of:
- The Committee on Agriculture. This committee deals with farming and food issues.
- She is on the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- She is also the lead Democrat (Ranking Member) on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
- The Committee on Education and the Workforce. This committee focuses on schools and jobs.
- She is the Vice Ranking Member for the whole committee.
- She serves on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
- She is also on the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Other Groups and Political Views
Jahana Hayes is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. This group works to address issues important to Black communities.
She has voted on many important issues. For example, she voted in favor of the first and second impeachment of Donald Trump.
After winning her second term, Hayes asked Republican leaders not to put Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on the House Education Committee. Hayes was concerned about Greene's past statements about school shootings. The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting happened in Hayes's district.
In 2020, Jahana Hayes was considered for the role of Secretary of Education. This position is part of the Biden administration. However, Miguel Cardona, another Connecticut educator, was chosen for the role.
Personal Life
Jahana Hayes lives in Wolcott, which is north of Waterbury. She lives there with her husband, Milford Hayes, and their four children.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2018
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Hayes speaking at a 2018 campaign event with Senator Chris Murphy
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Hayes (right) with USDA Undersecretary Jennifer Moffitt in 2022
