Rabbi Shaul Praver, who spent 13 years as spiritual leader of Newtown's Congregation Adath Israel and played a key role on the Newtown Interfaith Council, has decided to enter the race for the 5th US Congressional District as a Democrat.

Current 5th District Rep Elizabeth Esty decided against seeking re-election this November after she admitted mishandling matters involving a former chief of staff accused of harassment, threats, and violence against female staffers in her congressional office.

The Newtown Bee April 18, Rabbi Praver stated, "I am running for US Congress, the 5th district of Connecticut- Elizabeth Esty's seat and with your help, I can win."

In a brief statement e-mailed to 

His campaign announcement went on to say "When I was called to the Sandy Hook firehouse to counsel the families whose children and loved ones were murdered, I answered the call; when I was called to advocate for sane gun laws in Hartford, I answered the call; when I was called to prison ministry to counsel and teach incarcerated populations, I answered the call.

"And today, I feel called to widen my work on behalf of you, the people in Connecticut's 5th District and all of us, so that we may all enjoy hope and better quality of life.

"When you call on me about matters important to you and your family, I will answer your call, too."

Rabbi Praver describes himself as, "a bold progressive candidate."

His candidacy announcement for the 5th District closes saying Rabbi Praver is "seeking sane comprehensive gun laws, a safer and happier society, medicare for all, financial campaign finance reform, investing in our infrastructure and putting people to work, free vocational and college programs offered for inner cities, prison reform, immigration reform, reproductive freedom, fighting inequality and economic injustices, advancing the full rights of LGBTQ community, ending regime change wars, expanding public education to include pre-K through college, expanding social security, strengthening workers rights and collective bargaining power so workers may renegotiate their employment contracts just like CEO's, reversing global warming, ending the war on drugs, legalizing marijuana and releasing prisoners incarcerated for it, creating jobs and prosperity, sowing peace at home and peace abroad."