In a general election, there is a choice between a Democrat and a Republican. For me the choice is never difficult, especially now. Primaries are a different story. At CT’s Democratic conventions, we are often asked to choose among qualified Democratic candidates to run in the general election.
The choice for who will run for 26th District State Senator this past week was the most difficult vote I have ever cast.
The convention to endorse a candidate to succeed retiring State Senator Ceci Maher, who represents eight towns including the south half of Ridgefield, featured two outstanding candidates, Lucy Dathan and Samantha (Sam) Nestor. Sam has served as first Selectwoman of Weston since 2021, and Lucy is the four-term State Representative from the 142nd House District, which covers parts of New Canaan and Norwalk. Both have won decisive electoral victories in the past, so they know how to campaign and win. Both have distinguished themselves in the offices they currently hold and both were endorsed by leaders whom I know well and deeply respect.
The convention vote was 66% for Sam and 34% for Lucy, so Sam received the endorsement. And although Lucy easily cleared the 15% hurdle to participate in the primary, she ultimately decided to forgo the Senate primary and run again for her House seat, which will allow us to have both of these outstanding leaders in Hartford. All of Ridgefield’s other legislative candidates won unanimous approval at their respective conventions or caucuses: Aimee Berger-Girvalo for the 111th House District (representing all but Ridgefield’s southwest corner); Savet Constantine for the 42nd House District (representing Wilton, portions of New Canaan and Ridgefield); and Julie Kushner for the 24th Senate District (representing northern Ridgefield, Danbury and a portion of New Fairfield).
Of course, the marquee contest in the August primary will be between Governor Ned Lamont, who received the endorsement of the Democratic Party with 75% of the delegates’ votes at the State Convention, and State Representative Josh Elliot, who received 25%. The results of the primary on August 11th will determine who is on Row A in November. My friend Tom Dubin, Chair of the Wilton DTC, speaking of a different campaign, put it best when he pointed out that both candidates have passionate supporters, but at the end of the day we are all on the same team. It is imperative that all campaigns and their supporters commit to insuring a blue tsunami in November.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Attorney General William Tong, Comptroller Scott Scanlon and Treasurer Erick Russell all won unanimous endorsement at the State Convention.
U.S. Representative Jim Himes was approved overwhelmingly at the 4th Congressional district nominating convention in Norwalk.
Democrats have once again put forward an outstanding team, and with your help in the months ahead we will once again achieve a decisive and overwhelming victory in November.
Primary day for all races is August 11th and early voting will run from August 3rd through 9th.
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. I encourage you to make your voice heard.