John B. Larson (born July 22, 1948), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1999, representing the 1st District of Connecticut (map). He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, was educated at Central Connecticut State University, and was a teacher, businessman and member of the Connecticut Senate before entering the House. In 1994 Larson sought the Democratic nomination for Governor of Connecticut but was defeated by liberal William Curry in a primary. Prior to that Larson was the longest serving President Pro Tempore, the Connecticut Senate's highest position. As a member of Congress, Larson currently serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. On February 1, 2006 he was elected Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the fourth ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. Larson was re-elected to a fourth term in Congress in 2004, receiving 73f the vote against Republican challenger John M. Halstead.
