Rep. Jahana Hayes | Connecticut’s 5th District | 2018
Jahana Hayes is the first African-American woman and first African-American Democrat to represent the state of Connecticut in Congress. Jahana was Connecticut Teacher of the Year, before going on to earn the distinction of 2016 National Teacher of the Year (NTOY), leading to an invitation to the White House by President Barack Obama. 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. Congresswoman Hayes sits on the House Committees of Education and Labor, and Agriculture. Her areas of legislative focus include equitable access to quality education, affordable health care for everyone, labor, agriculture, and the environment.