One measure of the enduring political clout of Blue Hills, a Black neighborhood in the North End of Hartford, was the long line of politicians waiting to speak at the reopening of the renovated Joseph D. Lapenta Boys & Girls Club last week. For one of them, it was a second home as a kid.

“We had a great turnout, and it’s a testament to some of those personal connections, the impact of places like a Boys & Girls Club,” said Samuel S. Gray Jr., the former director of the club and now a regional executive for the organization. Those connections paid off when a gap opened in the construction budget.

Gray is 53, a Black man who has voted in every election since turning 18 as an act of personal civic engagement, as well as an example for the kids who come to the club. The ribbon cutting was Tuesday, one week after an election skipped by many city voters, confounding Gray and rattling some politicians in attendance.

“I understand my history as a man of color, what that civic responsibility means. Do I feel discouraged? It’s hard,” said Gray, a Democrat. “When you come to a Boys & Girls Club, that’s what we want to ingrain in each and every one of the young people, that their voice is heard, that their vote matters.”

The shrinking margins for Vice President Kamala Harris in Connecticut cities was a jolt to an otherwise thriving state Democratic Party that now has struggled in successive gubernatorial and presidential elections to engage and turn out urban voters, a worrying sign as the party turns to the 2026 gubernatorial cycle.

The drop off in the urban vote from the levels that contributed to Joe Biden’s victory over Donald J. Trump four years ago was a national phenomenon, but one that echoes loudly in Connecticut. 

In Bridgeport, the state’s largest city, the collapse of the Democratic vote was stunning, falling from the 35,515 votes cast for Biden to the 26,992 for Harris, a drop of 24%. The erosion also was evident in the next four largest cities: New Haven, Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury.

Trump picked up some of those votes, but the vast majority simply didn’t show up.

The falling presidential vote tracks a similar drop in the urban vote from 2018 to 2022 for Gov. Ned Lamont, a self-funding Democrat from Greenwich who won reelection in a landslide on the strength of his appeal to suburban voters. He didn’t need the huge city margins vital to his predecessor — or his own initial win, when he defeated Republican Bob Stefanowski, 49.4% to 46.2% in a five-way race.

One question now is whether, or how quickly, a poorly maintained party machine in the cities can be brought up to speed if a more traditional Democrat, namely one with limited means and a need for a larger urban turnout, is the gubernatorial nominee in 2026.

“It’s just not a light switch you can turn on and off, right?” said Marc DiBella, the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee in Hartford. “I mean, at some point the Democratic Party is going to need the urban vote to turn back out again.”

Lamont, 71, who enjoys a high approval rating and a string of budget surpluses, has neither ruled out seeking a third term nor committed to a run. He won reelection in 2022 with huge margins in Fairfield County suburbs, including one that voted for his opponent in 2018: His hometown of Greenwich.

He carried the cities by wide margins in 2022, but with far fewer votes than 2018. Bridgeport’s vote for Lamont fell by nearly 9,000 votes, from 23,388 in 2018 to 14,395 in 2022. His pluralities shrunk by nearly 8,000 votes in New Haven and more than 7,000 votes in Hartford.

Even in Stamford, a growing city in Fairfield County that overtook New Haven and Bridgeport in 2018 as the top producer of votes in Connecticut, the tally for Lamont fell from 27,447 to 23,911.

Democrats say that fall was a reflection, at least in part, on Lamont and his policies of fiscal moderation. That took away a standard wedge issue from Republicans, but fiscal moderation failed to excite the base. Additionally, city Democrats said, the emphasis of the state party moved to the suburbs.

There is no consensus for why more urban voters sat out the presidential election, or why Harris did not draw young voters in the numbers necessary for a Democrat to win.

“There is no single answer,” said Matt Ritter of Hartford, the speaker of the state House of Representatives.

Key Democratic issues like protecting abortion rights gave way to concerns about inflation, economic growth and wages. Trump did a better job of using unconventional media followed by younger voters, like Joe Rogan’s podcast. Trump emphasized border control and crime, issues Democrats avoided or downplayed. The list is long.

“First of all, it’s not unique to Connecticut in any way.” Lamont said, pointing to the failure of Philadelphia or Detroit to deliver the battleground states of Pennsylvania or Michigan to Harris, as they did for Biden. “I think it’s really about energizing people. And I don’t think in the last few cycles people have been energized. Maybe Trump energized some people in the cities more than the Democrats did in this last cycle.”

As both a percentage and the raw numbers of votes, Trump made gains in each of Connecticut’s five largest cities. 

In Hartford, a city in which non-Hispanic whites are only 15% of the population, the vote for Trump swelled from 7.5% in 2016 and 12.6% in 2020 to 17% last week. Trump’s share elsewhere this year: New Haven, 17%; Bridgeport, 26%; Stamford, 36%; and Waterbury, 44%.

Exit polling by a consortium of news organizations showed Harris winning the Black, Latino and youth vote, but by closer margins than other Democrats in previous years. In Connecticut, she won 81% of the Black vote, 55% of the Latino vote and 51% of the youth vote, 18-to-29.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the leftist who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, was quick to blame the results on what he sees as the the party’s growing estrangement from working class voters, whether white or minority, urban or not.

“It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. First, it was the white working class, and now it is Latino and Black workers as well,” Sanders said. “While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry.”

Exit polling showed Harris winning among voters with household incomes of less than $25,000 or at $100,000 or more. Trump won every income level in between. She won the college-educated vote, while Trump was favored by those who don’t hold college degrees.

At the Boys & Girls Club in Blue Hills, a neighborhood reaping the fruits of significant state spending on a new high school and affordable housing that replaces two aging and housing projects, the critiques were less sweeping than Sanders offered, but still critical.

“We as a party and we as government need to do a lot better at both connecting the work we are already doing to improve the lives of residents, but also listening to residents, listening to every voter, and making them feel like their concerns, their families, are top of mind for Democratic elected officials and officials generally,” said Arunan Arulampalam, who was elected mayor a year ago.

Arulampalam was one of the speakers at the Boys & Girls Club reopening. The lineup included U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Greenwich, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz of Middletown, and three Hartford lawmakers who represent pieces of Blue Hills — Ritter, state Sen. Doug McCrory and state Rep. Joshua Hall.

A budget gap in the gut-rehabilitation of the club was closed by a $1.6 million grant from the Community Investment Fund, a competitive program Ritter helped create to make state bonding more responsive to community needs. It sits next to the shiny new Willow Creek apartments and is down the street from the newly rebuilt Weaver High School, where Hall is an assistant principal.

“I know the party does a lot of good things,” said McCrory, an educator who was a regular at the club growing up. But he was quick to warm to the subject of how a Democratic ticket led by a Black woman failed to do better among Black and young voters, demographics that helped propel Barack Obama to the White House.

“I’ve been telling the leaders of the Democratic Party that your messaging is not getting through,” said McCrory, who survived a three-way primary in August after running unopposed. “I’ve been saying that for the last six, eight years.”

If that call has not been fully heeded, the reason is obvious enough, McCrory said.

“We’ve been winning,” he said. “Everybody’s happy.”

The state House Democratic majority made net gains of four seats last week and will open the 2025 session on Jan. 8 with a 102-49 advantage. Barring an adverse result in one pending recount, Democrats gained a state Senate seat and will have a 25-11 majority.

Democrats have won four straight gubernatorial races since 2010 after 20 years of losses, and Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate race since 1982 or a U.S. House race since 2006.

The Democrats’ overall successes in Connecticut have obscured what Democrats say is a neglected political infrastructure in the cities — and have led some to equate that success with having the right policies, politics and messaging.

“People need to wake up and recognize that, despite what I’ve heard in the last week from some people, we don’t have the message,” said state Sen. Gary Winfield of New Haven, a member of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus who argues for a more populist approach to spending.

“Generally speaking, the Democratic Party was out of touch with the American public on a whole host of issues,” DiBella said. “You don’t get to lose ground with young, urban, rural, Latino, Black voters, and say that the campaign had the right message.”

The election was oddly flat, even after Biden’s dramatic withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris, which quickly ended talk of a more open competition. Connecticut’s seven electoral votes never were in play, and most urban legislators either were unopposed or faced only token opponents.

“You felt it on Election Day. There was no buzz,” said Vinnie Mauro Jr., the Democratic chairman of New Haven. Of the Harris campaign, he said “The only people they had on the ground here were the people recruited to go someplace else.”

The party ran buses every weekend in October to Pennsylvania, where U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy campaigned, even though he was on the ballot for an easy reelection to a third term in Connecticut.

“I kept asking the question, why does it just not feel like anything’s happening?” Winfield said. His seat was safe, but he still campaigned door to door, finding a malaise in voters who complained of feeling a distance from their party. 

“This party, in Connecticut, at least, has for a very long time not really spoken to its voters,” he said.

Winfield is one of the progressive Democrats who say the Lamont administration’s focus on righting the fiscal ship and preserving a volatility cap that limits how surplus funds can be spent does not resonate in cities where the needs are great and social services often are delivered by non-profits scratching for greater reimbursement from the state.

Lamont defends his administration’s spending on the cities, especially on house. And he resists the notion that the drop in urban turnout was attributable to an inadequate ground game to get-out-the-vote.

“I think something else is going on,” Lamont said. “I think there’s some folks who have given up, some folks who say, ‘Maybe it doesn’t make a difference. I’ve got something else to do today.’ And maybe that’s a reflection on the candidates, but it’s true all over the country as well. Maybe there’s a certain other malaise that’s happening. You know, people are less likely to be joiners than they were a generation ago, and you see that reflected in voting as well.”

But he agrees that the cities, whose influence at Democratic nominating conventions is pegged to turnout, should be concerned.

“The cities still have a lot of clout up there in the Capitol, but the suburbs have the votes, so you may see a shift,” Lamont said. “If I was an urban legislator, I’d take special pride in getting out the vote to make sure that their voice is heard as loudly tomorrow as it is today.”

Despite being the third smallest US state in terms of area, Connecticut boasts an impressive catalogue of fun things for travelers to do. And while not the most affordable of states in terms of cost of living, largely due to its proximity to large urban areas like New York City and Boston, “The Constitution State” can, with adequate planning, be a good choice of getaway destination for those who travel on a budget.

If that sounds like you, then you may want to consider checking out some of Connecticut’s smaller towns, many of which provide an appealing blend of history, cultural events, and scenery without the high costs typically associated with travel in New England. For ideas and inspiration, here are six affordable destinations in Connecticut for budget travelers to ponder.

Mystic

Located just off the I-95 between New Haven and Providence, Mystic’s maritime heritage and cultural significance are big draws for tourists. A must-see is the exquisitely designed Mystic Seaport Museum, home to historic vessels like the Charles W. Morgan, the world’s last surviving wooden whaling vessel. Just a few minutes away, the Mystic Aquarium features diverse marine life, including a rare beluga whale exhibit. And for budget accommodations, rooms at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic can often be booked online for under $100 a night, depending on the season, while affordable eats can be had at The Mystic Diner & Restaurant.

Popular events worth considering include the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival held in August, showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople. The festival also has a kid’s component, the Children’s Art Park in Mystic River Park, which like the main event itself has no admission costs. Also fun (and free!) is taking a stroll through town to the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, an iconic old draw bridge built in 1919. Accessible from NYC and other cities by rail, Mystic has public transportation available through SEAT (Southeast Area Transit) buses, which connect Mystic to other nearby towns.

New London

Only a short distance from Mystic (remember, it is a small state!), New London is another historic coastal town with affordable attractions, as well as a fun and artsy vibe. History buffs will enjoy visiting Fort Trumbull State Park, a historic fortification offering fascinating exhibits, guided tours, a network of trails, and scenic views of the Thames River, all for a low admission cost of just $6 for adults. Although a little more expensive to get in, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum is worth the additional cost for its impressive collection of American art. And when you’re peckish, check out Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock for fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

Though peak summer season, New London’s Sailfest is a great time to visit. Held in July, this maritime festival features fireworks, tall ships, food vendors, and free admission. For affordable accommodations, check availability at the Red Roof Inn Mystic – New London which sometimes has rates available for less than $100 per night. Getting there is easy, too. For those not wanting to drive, the town is accessible via Amtrak and Shore Line East, making travel convenient. Public buses also operate within New London, connecting to local attractions.

Essex

Popular for its colonial history and architecture, the small town of Essex provides an affordable yet immersive experience for budget travelers. While the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat does require tickets, a cheaper option features only the scenic train ride along the Connecticut River, an especially fun activity during leaf-peeping season. The Connecticut River Museum is also worth a visit and details the maritime heritage of the region (a variety of discounted ticket options are available when purchasing combo tickets that include a boat ride).

For budget-friendly lodging, HomeTowne Studios Mystic – New London is a great option. But if you can splurge just a little, the historic Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country, is worth the extra spending. Another option if you’re driving is to stay at one of the big brand economy hotels located outside of town along the I-95. Annual events like the Essex Go Bragh Irish Parade in March add to the town’s charm, celebrating Irish heritage with live music and food.

Wethersfield

Wethersfield, one of Connecticut’s oldest towns, presents a range of affordable attractions worth considering. While it does require an admission of $15 for adults, the Webb Deane Stevens Museum offers a good bang for your buck as it features tours of three superbly preserved colonial houses, each with significant Revolutionary War history. And you can make it up with a visit to Wethersfield Cove, a scenic inlet ideal for peaceful walks that won’t cost you a dime. While you could also pack a picnic to save money, the Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre is a great local café that offers budget-friendly meals.

Need a place to stay? Budget accommodations can be found at the Comfort Inn Wethersfield-Hartford, providing affordable rates and easy access to nearby Hartford for additional dining options. Off-season savings can also be enjoyed if you travel in October, with the added benefit of being able to join in the fun of the town’s Scarecrows Along Main event.

Old Saybrook

Situated along the Connecticut shoreline and only 30 minutes from New Haven, Old Saybrook boasts a blend of excellent beaches, fascinating history, and affordable charm. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, affectionately called “The Kate,” features exhibits related to the one-time Saybrook resident (admission is via an optional donation). Fancy some fun outdoors? Head to Saybrook Point for its picturesque (and free!) views of Long Island Sound.

You can book an affordable stay at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Old Saybrook – Westbrook, conveniently located near these attractions. And for additional fun (and possible savings on out-of-season accommodations), the town hosts its Old Saybrook Torchlight Parade in December featuring fire trucks adorned with festive lights. Amtrak connects Old Saybrook to other towns and cities, providing convenient transportation.

Guilford

Guilford’s location just 15 minutes by car from New Haven (and just over two hour rail trip from New York City), not to mention its charming historical setting, make it a great option for a Connecticut getaway. Highlights for history buffs include a visit to the Henry Whitfield State Museum, built in 1639 and the oldest stone house in New England. Admission is only $10 for adults, something that’s even more reasonable when you consider you also have access to the 8-acre grounds. Speaking of being outdoors, be sure to include the Westwoods Trail on your budget-friendly visit to Guilford. This 6-mile loop is of course free to use (hiking and biking only) and is well worth it if you’re into great scenery.

Where to stay? Check out the rates at the Tower Inn & Suites in Guilford, a great budget option that’s located conveniently for both beach and town access. Come September the town hosts the Guilford Fair, Connecticut’s second-oldest agricultural fair with livestock displays, live music, and fairground attractions (admission is just $10 for adults, with discounts for seniors and kids). Accessible via Shore Line East trains connecting it to nearby New Haven, Guilford should definitely rate highly for those traveling on a budget.

The Bottom Line

For budget-conscious travelers, Connecticut offers a surprising number of affordable towns worth visiting. In addition to providing rich historical and cultural experiences, along with great scenery, they each offer a variety of inexpensive places to stay, especially in the off seasons. From the maritime heritage of Mystic to the colonial allure of Wethersfield, these six towns prove that exploring Connecticut’s charm doesn’t require a high price tag.