Jahana Hayes (née Flemming: born March 8, 1973)[1] is an American educator and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Connecticut's 5th congressional district since 2019.

Senator Chris Murphy, comprises much of the state's northwestern portion, including New Britain, Danbury, and Waterbury.

[4] Hayes was born on March 8, 1973,[5] in Waterbury, Connecticut, and grew up in public housing projects in that city.

Appearing on Ellen DeGeneres's talk show, Hayes said she taught her students "kindness" and "community service.

"I am so grateful to be a member of the NEA," she said, praising it for preventing the exploitation of the "altruistic character trait that all teachers possess".

"[6] Hayes won the primary on August 14, beating Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman, who was endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Party, 62% to 38%.

[14] Her candidacy was also supported by the Connecticut Working Families Party (CTWFP), with CTWFP state director Lindsay Farrell saying that her primary victory "demonstrates the value in electing and mobilizing teachers who will fight for public education, stand up to [Education Secretary] Betsy DeVos, and advocate the importance of collective bargaining.

[16][17] Hayes was reelected, defeating the Republican nominee, former federal prosecutor David X. Sullivan, with 55.1% of the vote.

[26] Soon after winning a second term, Hayes circulated a letter to the Republican House leadership urging it not to place Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on the House Education Committee, citing Greene's claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and other mass school shootings were false flag operations.