Rep. Maryam Khan gets Democratic endorsement in three way state senate primary race
State Rep. Maryam Khan (D-Windsor) won the Democratic Party endorsement Monday night in the race for the state Senate’s 2nd District. She defeated incumbent Sen. Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) and Windsor Board of Education President Ayana Taylor at the party convention in Bloomfield.
The closely watched race comes as McCrory continues to face questions amid an FBI investigation into funding for Hartford-area nonprofits. All three candidates received enough delegate support to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot in August.
Khan secured the endorsement at 55% after three rounds of voting, having trailed in the first two.
Khan said she is focused on connecting with voters as the campaign moves toward the primary.
“I’m looking forward to getting to the doors, getting to talk to voters, and just hitting the ground running,” Khan said.
Khan also said voters want leadership that remains focused on the district.
“The district is ready for strong leadership and possibly new leadership, but regardless, leadership that’s not distracted,” Khan said.
McCrory has faced scrutiny in recent months over the FBI investigation into funding for Hartford-area nonprofits. NBC Connecticut reached out to McCrory for comment on Khan’s endorsement and whether the investigation played a role in the convention outcome, but hasn’t heard back yet.
McCrory told NBC Connecticut in January that he is confident he will be cleared in the investigation.
Khan has also faced criticism over her response to a 2023 assault outside a Muslim prayer event after she accused Hartford police of delaying medical help. An internal investigation later cleared the responding officer.
Khan said the issue has not affected conversations with voters during the campaign.
“It hasn’t ever come up when I’m talking to folks,” Khan said.
Taylor said she was disappointed by the convention result after some McCrory delegates backed Khan in later rounds of voting.
“It was by design that it’s a three-way race again, but I feel my integrity showed through, and it will show through at the polls,” Taylor said.
Taylor is challenging McCrory for a second time after previously running against him in a primary two years ago. She said her campaign is centered on integrity and trust.
“Sometimes it takes a big force to stop someone who has a lot of momentum, and I have a lot of momentum,” Taylor said.
The Democratic primary for the 2nd Senate District is scheduled for August 11.
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