Jahana Hayes faces 5th District GOP challenger from Danbury, Michele Botelho

Article originally posted on CTInsider

Danbury Republican and political newcomer Michele Botelho is challenging U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes for the seat in the 5th District of the U.S. House of Representatives, arguing Congress is not prioritizing working-class people and bringing jobs back to the country.

If elected, Botelho said she will focus on affordability, bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States and passing a comprehensive immigration bill.

"We're a declining nation, both economically and culturally," she said.

Botelho has never held public office before.

As the child of Italian immigrants, she said she believes those who immigrate to this country should do so legally, but admits there are obstacles for those seeking to do so.

The lack of skilled labor in the country has led to businesses struggling, Botelho said. Part of the problem is school children have "activism being thrown in their face," and they are not being properly prepared to be productive citizens, she said.