Jahana Hayes made history as the first Black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress, bringing her background as a high school history teacher and 2016 National Teacher of the Year to Capitol Hill. Her personal story of overcoming teenage pregnancy and homelessness to become an educator has shaped her advocacy for education funding, affordable childcare, and economic opportunity. Hayes has emerged as a prominent voice on education policy and social justice issues, while representing a politically competitive district that includes suburban and rural areas of western Connecticut.