“Misleading.” Three House members say Eli Sabin never ran the Progressive Caucus.

Democratic state representatives Mary Mushinsky, Robert Godfrey, and Susan Johnson intervened Thursday in the 92nd House District Democratic primary to contest a statement by Eli Sabin that he ran the legislative Progressive Caucus. Sabin made the claim during a debate with incumbent Pat Dillon and Justin Farmer.

Mushinsky, Godfrey, and Johnson issued the earnest statement under the title “Setting the Record Straight: Sabin Did Not Run the Progressive Caucus.” The trio explained that Sabin, a former New Haven Alder who declined to be sworn into office after winning re-election last year, performed administrative tasks for the caucus. They included “maintaining records, organizing meetings, collecting dues, and conducting research at the request of caucus members….”

They continued, “Any claim that Sabin ‘ran’ the Progressive Caucus misrepresents how the caucus operates and minimizes the role of the legislators who made its decisions.”

“Voters deserve honesty about credentials and experience. The distinction between staff support and policymaking authority is not a minor detail; it is central to understanding who was responsible for the caucus’s direction and positions,” the veteran legislators wrote. ” The facts are straightforward: the Progressive Caucus is governed by its legislative members. Eli Sabin was a staff employee who supported their work. Claims suggesting that he ran the caucus are misleading and should be corrected.”

Dillon won the party endorsement in May and has been emphasizing–with the assistance of constituent testimonials–that she has a long record of delivering for her district, which includes portions of New Haven and Hamden. Sabin moved into the district to challenge Dillon. Farmer lives in Hamden.

Early voting began Monday and concludes Sunday. Tuesday, August 11th is Primary Day.

Published August 7, 2026.