Joshua "Josh" Elliott (born 1984) is an American businessman and politician serving as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 88th district. Elected in November 2016, he assumed office in 2017, succeeding Former State Rep. and Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, Brendan Sharkey, following his retirement after serving 16 years in the Connecticut General Assembly.
A Democrat, Elliott ran for Governor of Connecticut in 2026, successfully entering a primary with incumbent Governor Ned Lamont, who sought reelection to a third term. Elliott lost the primary to Lamont in August of that year.
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Early life and education
Elliott was born in Guilford, Connecticut and represents Hamden. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Ithaca College and a Juris Doctor from the Quinnipiac University School of Law.
Career
After graduating from law school, Elliott opened two grocery stores with his mother, Mary Ellen Stearman. Elliott was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in November 2016 and assumed office in 2017. During the 2019–2020 legislative session, Elliott was vice chair of the House Commerce Committee. In the 2021–2022 session, he was co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
Elliott ran unsuccessfully for Secretary of the State of Connecticut in 2022, vying to replace the retiring Denise Merrill.
On July 8, 2025, Elliott filed to run for Governor of Connecticut in 2026, after having "predicted that Gov. Ned Lamont would not go unchallenged for the Democratic nomination if he runs." He formally announced his candidacy on July 14.
In May 2026, Elliott won 25% of the vote for governor at the Connecticut Democratic Convention, forcing a primary despite Lamont receiving the party's endorsement. The vote was described as a "major upset." Elliott lost the primary to Lamont in August later that year.