Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was elected to represent the Fifth District of Connecticut in November 2018, making her the first African-American woman to ever represent the state of Connecticut in Congress. Hayes first garnered widespread notoriety while serving as a teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, when she was selected as the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, before going on to earn the distinction of 2016 National Teacher of the Year, leading to an invitation to the White House by then President Barack Obama. In her capacity as NTOY, Hayes traveled the country and the world as an ambassador for public education engaging all stakeholders in policy discussions meant to improve outcomes for students.

Congresswoman Hayes' story is one of achievement despite the odds and overcoming the obstacles that life can place before you. She has been quoted as saying that "education saved her life" and is a fierce advocate for ensuring that equitable access to educational opportunities exists for all students and families.

She is a graduate of Naugatuck Valley Community College, Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport. Having earned a BA in history and secondary education, an MA in curriculum and instruction and a degree in administrative leadership.

Congresswoman Hayes will bring the same energy, passion, determination, work ethic and empathy that her community has come to know and respect to the halls of Congress.

Some of the Congresswoman's legislative priorities will focus on gun violence prevention in all communities, ensuring access to health care for as many Americans as possible, providing equitable access to education and opportunity for all students and working in a bipartisan way to bring positive change to the lives of every person in our community.