Meet Jahana
Jahana Hayes is a community advocate, nationally-recognized educator, and problem solver. Having overcome poverty, homelessness, and teenage motherhood, she understands why so many people feel left out of the conversation. But teaching showed her the potential within everyone—that’s why she believes that if Congress reflects the community, anything is possible.
Through service, Jahana unleashed the power within herself and within her students. That is why she believes everyone has something to offer and why she believes Congress should reflect all of us.
Jahana’s Story
Brass City Built.
Delivering Results.
The choice is clear.
Congresswoman Hayes has the life experience to lead.
The Hayes household is committed to service.
Jahana Hayes is the U.S. Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Connecticut. Hayes was elected in November 2018. She is the first African-American Congresswoman from Connecticut, and this is her first public office. A high school teacher, Hayes first garnered widespread notoriety when she was named National Teacher of the Year in 2016 by President Barack Obama. In her capacity as National Teacher of the Year, Hayes traveled the country and the world engaging public education stakeholders in policy discussions meant to improve outcomes for students.
National Teacher of the Year in 2016 by President Barack Obama.
Giving Back to Her Community
Leaving no one behind.
Jahana’s story is one of achievement despite the odds and overcoming the obstacles that so many people face. Growing up in the cycle of poverty and addiction, she found herself pregnant at 17. She had her daughter, went back to school, received multiple degrees, reached the pinnacle of teaching, and now, sits in Congress. She credits education for saving her life. Jahana is a fierce advocate for ensuring that equitable access to educational opportunities exists for all students and families. She is often heard saying: “ask yourself: is this what you would want for your child?” Jahana decided to run for office when she looked at her students and said: “Who will speak for them, if not me?” She fiercely believes all people have value and all people deserve to have a voice in Washington. She is living proof that good government works.
Solving Problems in Congress
Congresswoman Hayes currently sits on the full House committees of Education and Labor, and Agriculture. Her areas of legislative focus are equitable access to quality education, affordable health care for everyone, food security, labor, agriculture, and the environment. She has been a fierce advocate of immigration reform, gun violence prevention, veteran issues, social justice, transportation, and working in a bipartisan way to bring positive change to the lives of every person in our community.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.