Election 2022: Lamont Reelected, Democrats Keep Legislative Control
Democratic incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont won reelection Nov. 8 as his party swept all statewide offices and congressional races while slightly expanding its margins in the General Assembly.
Lamont won 56% of the vote in his rematch with Republican Bob Stefanowski, who had 43% support. Independent Party candidate Rob Hotaling had 1%.
In a post-election press conference, Lamont said his second term in office will focus on encouraging “growth and opportunity” and working with the legislature to make the state more affordable.
“I said probably 200 times, ‘I don’t want more taxes, but I don’t mind more taxpayers.’ And I hope everybody got my message on that,” he told reporters.
“And when I say more taxpayers, that means growth and opportunity. Everything I do is going to be looking through that lens of growth and opportunity.”
Protecting Fiscal Reforms
Lamont also indicated he will ask lawmakers to extend the suspension of the state’s 25 cents-per-gallon gas tax, which was set to expire Dec. 1.
He also planned to submit legislation extending the fiscal reforms enacted in the 2017 bipartisan budget agreement.
Those reforms, which some lawmakers want to overturn, are scheduled to expire in 2025.
“I think it served us very well, and I am going to be asking the legislature to continue that going forward,” Lamont said.
“It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we’re getting our fiscal house in order.”
CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said the 2017 reforms were the primary factor behind last year’s record-setting $4.3 billion budget surplus and this year’s projected $2.3 billion surplus.
“Connecticut’s fiscal picture is the healthiest it has been in decades because of those bipartisan reforms and they must be protected,” DiPentima said.
“Our economic recovery and growth prospects are dependent on maintaining those fiscal guardrails, along with resisting ongoing efforts from some parts of the legislature to raise taxes.”
General Assembly
Democrats made a net gain of one seat in the 36-seat state Senate, where the party will have 24 senators when the General Assembly convenes in January.
The party also extended its margin by one seat in the state House, for a total of 98 seats to 53 for the Republican Party.
There are recounts pending in two state Senate races and three House districts.
In the 8th Senate District, Avon Republican Lisa Seminara leads Democrat Paul Honig by 125 votes. The seat was formerly held by Republican Kevin Witkos, who did not run for reelection.
GOP incumbent Ryan Fazio has a 98-vote lead over Democrat Trevor Crow in the 36th Senate District, which includes Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan.
Six votes separate Democrat Chris Poulos and Republican Tony Morrison in the Southington-based 81st House District formerly held by the GOP’s John Fusco.
Trumbull Democrat Sarah Keitt has a one-vote lead over Republican Meghan McCloat in the 134th House District held by the GOP’s Laura Devlin, who was Stefanowski’s running mate in the governor’s race.
Republican challenger Rachel Chaleski has a 27-vote advantage over Democrat incumbent Kenneth Gucker in Danbury’s 138th House District.
Transform Connecticut
Eighty-one successful legislative candidates—a bipartisan group representing 43% of the next General Assembly—pledged support for CBIA’s Transform Connecticut policy proposals.
The recommendations are designed to address the state’s worker shortage crisis and build a sustainable, opportunity economy that emphasizes affordability, meaningful careers, and a positive business climate.
A bipartisan group representing 43% of the next legislature supports CBIA’s Transform Connecticut policy proposals.
“I am very encouraged by the broad bipartisan support for our Transform Connecticut policy solutions, which are also supported by a growing coalition of businesses and employer groups,” DiPentima said.
“We look forward to working with these lawmakers to tackle the high costs of living and running a business, implement pathways to rewarding careers, and make our economy more vibrant, robust, and equitable.
“Adopting these policies will help retain and attract residents, enhance and protect our workforce’s well-earned reputation for innovation and productivity, and promote Connecticut as a destination for businesses large and small.”
Congressional, Statewide Races
Democrats retained control of all statewide offices, sweeping elections for secretary of state, comptroller, treasurer, and attorney general.
Norwalk state representative Stephanie Thomas defeated Republican Dominic Rapini and Independent Cynthia Jennings in the secretary of state’s race.
Guilford state Rep. Sean Scanlon was elected state comptroller over Republican Mary Fay.
Democrat Erick Russell won a four-way race for treasurer, defeating Republican state Rep. Harry Arora, Independent Jennifer Baldwin, and the Libertarian Party’s JoAnna Laiscell.
Democrat William Tong was reelected attorney general, defeating Republican Jessica Kordas, Independent A.P. Pascarella, and the Green Party’s Ken Krayeske.
Democratic Party incumbents also won all Connecticut’s congressional races.
Democrats retained all statewide offices and congressional seats.
Senator Richard Blumenthal won a third U.S. Senate term, defeating Republican challenger Leora Levy by 14 percentage points.
Rep. John Larsen retained the 1st U.S. House District seat he has held since 1999, taking 62% of the vote in a three-way race against Republican Larry Lazor and the Green’s Mary Sanders.
In the 2nd U.S. House District, Rep. Joe Courtney won a ninth term, defeating Republican state representative Mike France, the Green’s Kevin Blacker, and Libertarian William Hall.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro was reelected to the 3rd U.S. House District she has held since 1991, beating Republican Lesley DeNardis, Independent Amy Chai, and the Green’s Justin Paglino.
Rep. Jim Himes won an eighth term, winning the 4th U.S. House District by 18 percentage points over Republican challenger Jayme Stevenson.
In a race that grabbed national attention, Rep. Jahana Hayes won a third term representing the 5th U.S. House District, narrowly defeating former state senator George Logan.
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