Jahana Hayes, a member of the United States House of Representatives, has represented Connecticut's 5th congressional district since January 3, 2019. Born on March 8, 1973, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Hayes pursued her education locally, earning an Associate's degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2002, a Bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2005, and a Master's degree from the University of Saint Joseph in 2012. Prior to her congressional career, she worked as a teacher and a public school administrator, which informed her subsequent focus on educational policy in Congress.

As a member of the House, Hayes serves on both the Agriculture Committee and the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. Her experience in education has influenced her legislative priorities, leading her to sponsor and co-sponsor significantly relevant bills aimed at addressing issues such as food insecurity and support for veterans and their families.

One notable piece of legislation she introduced is the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act (HB777), which seeks to address food insecurity among college students by ensuring they are informed about their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when they submit their FAFSA forms. This bill aims to provide crucial resources to students grappling with hunger, effectively allowing them to concentrate better on their educational pursuits without the burden of food insecurity.

Hayes also co-sponsored the Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 (HB680), aimed at enhancing financial support for the surviving spouses and families of veterans. This legislation intends to broaden the eligibility criteria and increase compensation rates, reflecting her advocacy for the well-being of military families.

Another important bill she sponsored is the Revitalizing Downtowns Act (HB419), which focuses on urban renewal by providing tax credits for converting nonresidential office spaces into residential or commercial uses. This effort aims to stimulate economic development, particularly in urban centers grappling with property vacancy issues exacerbated by changes in workplace norms.

In terms of ideological stance, Hayes is aligned with progressive Democratic values, evident in her support for a variety of social justice initiatives, including proposals advocating for the rights and benefits of education support staff and addressing systemic racism as a public health crisis through her introduction of the resolution HR119. This resolution expresses concern about the impact of racism on public health, showcasing her commitment to fighting racial disparities in health outcomes.

In her role as a public servant, Hayes emphasizes the significance of educational equity, healthcare accessibility, and support for low-income families, which resonates in her grant focus on initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and pro-family legislation. Her personal background as an educator shapes her perspective and commitment to fostering inclusive policies that cater to the needs of diverse communities.

Overall, Jahana Hayes exemplifies a commitment to uplifting the voices of underrepresented groups while advocating for policy changes that reflect her constituents' needs in Connecticut. As a lifeguard in education and veteran affairs, her work indicates a strong passion for reform and social equity within the legislative framework.