On Thursday, Connecticut House and Senate Democrats gathered to welcome 37 legislators‑elect and to solidify their leadership team ahead of the General Assembly term that begins on Jan. 6, 2027. The caucuses marked the first meeting since the party’s sweeping victory in Tuesday’s elections.
House leadership endorsement
At the Capitol, House Democrats voted to back Rep. Matt Ritter of Hartford for an unprecedented fourth term as speaker. Ritter, who is also being considered for the interim presidency of the University of Connecticut, addressed his uncertain status in a closed‑door session, describing the discussion as “emotional.” He asked colleagues for patience while the university’s board of trustees completes its own process.
“They have to make a decision. They have their own process. I don’t have an offer,” Ritter said. “I’ve asked the caucus, you know, probably give me a couple of weeks on this thing, and hopefully I’ll have news for them.”
House Majority Leader Jason Rojas of East Hartford, who would assume the speakership if Ritter steps down, stood beside Ritter and emphasized the need for continuity in government.
Senate leadership endorsement
In New Haven, Senate Democrats formally endorsed Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk as their choice for Senate president pro tem, succeeding retiring Sen. Martin M. Looney. The caucus also selected Sen. Gary Winfield of New Haven to succeed Duff as majority leader. Winfield will become the first Black lawmaker to serve as majority leader in either chamber.
Republican response
Across the Capitol complex, the GOP caucus elected House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R‑North Branford, to a fourth term as leader of the Republican caucus.
New legislative makeup
Pending recounts, Democrats are projected to hold majorities of 33‑3 in the Senate and 116‑35 in the House. Current splits stand at 25‑11 and 102‑49, respectively. Senate Republicans have not yet announced their minority leader.
House Democrats will add 25 new members: 14 who flipped Republican seats and 11 who replace outgoing Democrats. Senate Democrats will welcome a dozen newcomers, including eight who captured former Republican districts.
Incoming members
The 14 incoming House members who won seats formerly held by Republicans are: Francis Lombard (8th District), Jane Wisialowski (23rd), Cinzia Lettieri (35th), Bill Heughins (43rd), Bob Fernandez (48th), Ellen Paul (55th), Rick LeBorious (59th), Kim Becker (62nd), DeWayne K. Wynn Jr. (77th), David Fritz (90th), Michelle Embree Ku (106th), Julie Kerton (107th), Bryan Lizotte (113th) and Mandy Kilmartin (122nd).
The 11 new members who succeeded fellow Democrats are: Kyle Anderson (5th), Angie Parkinson (10th), Tiffani McGinnis (18th), Olaleye Onikuyide (19th), Moise “Moses” Carelus (31st), Chad Cardillo (83rd), Samuel Carmody (85th), Eli Sabin (92nd), Wildaliz Bermudez (97th), Tom Labardi (118th) and Lee Goldstein (136th).
New senators are: Maryam Khan (2nd District), David Kiner (7th), Al Paolillo (11th), Jack Fazzino (13th), Joe de la Cruz (18th), Carolann Reid (21st), Samantha Nestor (26th), Rob Blanchard (28th), Aaron Zimmerman (30th), Brandi Mandato (34th), Ethan Werstler (35th) and Jill Oberlander (36th). The sole new Republican lawmaker is Melissa Ziobron, a former House staffer who won the open 34th District seat.
Looking ahead
Ritter expressed optimism about the transition from campaign mode to legislative responsibilities, noting the “good energy and good vibe” among the incoming members. He emphasized the importance of moving forward quickly to address assignments and responsibilities for the upcoming session.
With a robust Democratic majority and a refreshed roster of legislators, Connecticut’s General Assembly is poised to advance the party’s agenda on education, public safety, and economic development in the coming year.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
