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 |
| 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 | |
Jahana Hayes (born March 8, 1973) is an American politician. She serves as a U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 5th district. She has held this role since 2019. This area covers much of the state's northwest, including cities like New Britain and Waterbury.
Jahana Hayes is a member of the Democratic Party. She made history as the first Black woman elected to represent Connecticut in the U.S. Congress. Before becoming a politician, she was a teacher. In 2016, she was named the National Teacher of the Year.
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Early Life and Education
Jahana Hayes was born on March 8, 1973. She grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. She lived in public housing projects there. Before finishing high school, she became a mother.
She worked hard to continue her education. She earned an associate degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College. Then, she got a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2012, she earned a master's degree from the University of Saint Joseph. She also received a special diploma from the University of Bridgeport in 2014.
Teaching Career
Hayes started her career at the Southbury Training School in Connecticut. Later, she taught government and history. She taught at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury. She also led a special program for gifted students. She helped advise a student service club called HOPE.
In 2015, she was named Teacher of the Year for her school. Then, she became the Waterbury School District Educator of the Year. Her dedication led to her being named National Teacher of the Year in 2016.
After winning this big award, Hayes spoke about teaching. She told The Washington Post that people should focus on what works in education. She also appeared on Ellen DeGeneres's talk show. There, she shared that she "teaches kindness." She also spoke to the National Education Association about her ideas.
U.S. House of Representatives
Jahana Hayes serves in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the country.
Elections
2018 Election
In 2018, Jahana Hayes decided to run for Congress. She sought the Democratic nomination for Connecticut's 5th congressional district. She won the 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. She also supports teachers' unions. The Connecticut Education Association supported her campaign. The Connecticut Working Families Party also backed her.
On November 6, Hayes won the election. She became the first Black Democratic woman from Connecticut to join the House. 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 against 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 won against Republican state Senator George Logan.
2024 Election
In 2024, Hayes ran against George Logan again. She won this election too.
Her Time in Office
Jahana Hayes started her term in office on January 3, 2019. She was appointed to important committees. These included the Education and Labor Committee and the Agriculture Committee.
She voted on important decisions during her time in Congress. In December 2019, she voted on the first impeachment of President Donald Trump. A year later, she voted on his second impeachment. This was after the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
After the 2020 elections, some thought Hayes might become the Secretary of Education. However, the role went to Miguel Cardona. At the start of her second term, Hayes asked that another representative not be placed on the House Education Committee. This was because of claims made about school shootings, including one in her district.
In May 2023, Hayes voted against a budget bill called the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. The next month, she spoke out during a hearing about a proposed bill. She said it would make things harder for students who are already facing challenges.
In 2025, Hayes was one of 46 Democrats who voted for the Laken Riley Act. This bill was related to public safety.
Committee Roles
Jahana Hayes works on several important committees in Congress:
- Committee on Agriculture
- This committee deals with farming and food.
- She is a leader (ranking member) on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.
- Committee on Education and Workforce
- This committee focuses on schools, jobs, and workers' rights.
Groups She Belongs To
Hayes is also part of several special groups in Congress, called caucuses:
- Black Maternal Health Caucus
- New Democrat Coalition
- Congressional Black Caucus (she leads the Educating for the Future Task Force)
- Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (she is a deputy whip)
- Friends of Ireland Caucus (she is a co-chair)
- College Affordability Caucus (she is a chair)
Personal Life
Jahana Hayes is married to Milford Hayes. He is a police detective. They live in Wolcott with 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 with USDA Undersecretary Jennifer Moffitt in 2022
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Hayes on the Education and Workforce Committee, 2024
