It's been roughly three decades since Connecticut had a Republican in the U.S. Senate, but the party isn't giving up.
WATCH: Connecticut looks to expand abortion access to 'protect women's rights'
In the GOP primary to take on Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the party has endorsed former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides. She's a social moderate who supports abortion rights and certain gun control measures and says she did not vote for Trump in 2020. Klarides contends her experience and positions can persuade voters to oppose Blumenthal, a two-term senator who in May registered a 45 percent job approval rating, his lowest in a Quinnipiac poll since taking office.
Klarides is being challenged by conservative attorney Peter Lumaj and Republican National Committee member Leora Levy, whom Trump endorsed last week. Both candidates oppose abortion rights and further gun restrictions, and they back Trump's policies.
Associated Press writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut contributed to this report.