Story perspectives

Tribal Leader Larry Pemberton Jr. Wins Historic Election

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Larry Pemberton Jr. of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation won a special election on January 12, 2026, to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Kevin Ryan in Connecticut's 139th House District.
Pemberton received 64% of the vote, defeating Republican Brandon Sabbag and write-in candidate Mark Adams.
This victory marks the first time a member of a state-recognized tribe has secured a seat in the General Assembly.
Pemberton was endorsed by state Sen. Cathy Osten and previously registered as an unaffiliated voter.
A pending lawsuit by Adams regarding his exclusion from the ballot may result in a new election.

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Story summary

Larry Pemberton Jr. of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation won a special election on January 12, 2026, to fill the vacancy left by Rep. Kevin Ryan in Connecticut's 139th House District.
Pemberton received 64% of the vote, defeating Republican Brandon Sabbag and write-in candidate Mark Adams.
This victory marks the first time a member of a state-recognized tribe has secured a seat in the General Assembly.
Pemberton was endorsed by state Sen. Cathy Osten and previously registered as an unaffiliated voter.
A pending lawsuit by Adams regarding his exclusion from the ballot may result in a new election.