VFAF Endorsement of Jonathan De Barros for Congress (CT-5)
Waterbury, CT — Veterans for America First (VFAF) Vice President Jared Craig today announced the organization’s endorsement of Jonathan De Barros for Congress in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District, citing De Barros’ commitment to community leadership, faith, and constitutional values.
“Jonathan De Barros represents the kind of servant leadership our country desperately needs,” said Jared Craig, Vice President of Veterans for America First. “He understands the challenges facing working families, respects the rule of law, and has devoted his life to lifting others up. Jonathan is exactly the type of candidate who will put the people of Connecticut first, not special interests or political insiders.”
Jonathan De Barros is a lifelong Connecticut resident, community leader, and youth mentor running to represent the diverse communities of the 5th Congressional District, which spans northwestern and central Connecticut, including Danbury, Meriden, the Farmington and Naugatuck Valleys, Litchfield County, and his hometown of Waterbury.
In 2018, De Barros founded the Phoenix Youth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth, promoting vocational training, and teaching conflict resolution. His work focuses on providing young people with structure, opportunity, and guidance, helping them build productive and responsible futures.
“Jonathan has not just talked about change — he has built it,” Craig added. “His work mentoring youth and strengthening communities reflects the same values veterans fought to defend: responsibility, service, and love of country.”
De Barros grew up in Waterbury and has remained deeply rooted in the community he now seeks to represent. His passion for public service is grounded in life experience, faith, and a belief that strong families and local communities are the foundation of a strong nation.
Following his release into civilian life, De Barros pursued technical training, earning his Electrical Technician certification from IMTI in Waterbury, and went on to serve the State of Connecticut and local municipalities maintaining highway lighting and traffic systems — work essential to public safety and infrastructure.
Jonathan resides in Plymouth, Connecticut, with his wife Alyssa, a registered nurse with a master’s degree. The couple are active members of their local Republican Town Committee and are proud homeowners. Their shared Christian faith guides their involvement in their church community at Calvary Life Church in Cheshire and informs their strong commitment to pro-life principles, family values, and service to others.
De Barros is a vocal advocate for restoring the Republican values championed by Frederick Douglass, including faith, family, personal responsibility, and economic empowerment, particularly within Black and Latino communities. He draws inspiration from the principles of Abraham Lincoln and is committed to defending the constitutional foundations of the American Republic.
