Josh Elliott

Josh Elliott is a five-term Connecticut State Representative, small business owner, and candidate for Governor.

Born in Guilford, Connecticut, Josh was raised by a single mother and learned early what it means to work hard and show up for people who count on you. He graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in sociology and later earned his law degree from Quinnipiac University.

Josh co-owns Thyme & Season Natural Market in Hamden, a family grocery store his mother founded nearly 30 years ago. Running a small business taught him that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about solving problems, listening to the people you serve, and doing the work every single day.

The 2008 financial crisis and the Citizens United decision drew Josh into politics. After organizing with the Bernie Sanders campaign, the Working Families Party recruited him to run for office. His first race was against the sitting Speaker of the House—and after Josh announced, the Speaker decided it wasn’t worth the fight and retired. Josh went on to win despite losing his convention endorsement 18-3.

In the legislature, Josh founded the progressive caucus and the tax equity caucus. In his third term, he chaired the Higher Education Committee. He now serves as Deputy Speaker, Screening Chair, and Caucus Co-Chair.

Josh is running for Governor because working families in Connecticut pay 20% of their income in state and local taxes while the wealthiest pay just 8%—and he believes it’s time for leadership that will change that. With a lawless federal administration threatening our rights and values, Connecticut needs a governor willing to use every tool at our disposal to fight back.

Josh lives in Hamden with his girlfriend Jenn, his yellow labs Hermione and Vega, and his tabby cat Archie.