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Republicans wooing star sports broadcaster Sage Steele for CT-5 race against Jahana Hayes.

by Kevin Rennie

Sports broadcaster Sage Steele left ESPN in August, announcing, “I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely.” Republican leaders and donors in Washington and Connecticut hope the popular personality will fulfill that ambition by running for the House in the state’s competitive 5th CD, Daily Ructions has learned.

Steele would face three-term Democratic incumbent Jahana Hayes in the general election. Hayes eked across the finish line first last year in one of the nation’s closest House races, defeating former state Senate George Logan by 1,800 votes. Logan is reported to be contemplating a rematch with Hayes. A Steele candidacy would upend those plans.

Steele left Bristol-based ESPN two years after criticizing the corporation’s mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. Steele complied with the requirement and called it sick on the “Uncut with Jay Cutler” podcast. Steele talked about her dispute with with ESPN on Fox News in August.

Steele was a guest last month at the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee.

The broadcaster joined ESPN in 2006. She has spoken often of her conservative political views. A Steele-Hayes contest would draw national attention from activists, media and the donor class that drives many party decisions.

Steele has many choices. Having left ESPN but not begun a new career, the Avon resident would likely be able to devote herself to the congressional race full-time. That would give her a significant advantage over Logan.

Delegates from both parties in the district that runs from the northwest corner of the state to Meriden in central Connecticut will meet in May to endorse a candidate. The district includes all or part of 41 towns. The Cook Partisan Voting Index gives it a D +3 rating.

Published September 18, 2023.

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