Special Elections: Perillo Seeks Senate Vacancy

Long-serving state House member Rep. Jason Perillo (R-Shelton) is making a run at the vacant 21st Senate District seat.

The Stratford-based seat was formerly held by Republican Kevin Kelly, who resigned last month after running unopposed for an eighth Senate term in November.

Kelly, a former Senate Republican Leader, has been nominated as a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.

Perillo, who has held his House seat since 2007, faces Democrat Tony Afriyie, a Stratford town councillor, in a Feb. 25 special election.

Afriyie currently works as a staffer for U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3).

House Vacancy

Voters in Groton and New London will also go to the polls Feb. 25 to fill the vacant 40th House District.

That seat fell vacant when Democrat Christine Conley resigned before the 2025 legislative session began in anticipation of an appointment to the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Conley won a fourth House term with 66% of the vote last November.

Democrat Dan Gaiewski and Republican Robert Boris are challenging for the seat.

Dan Gaiewski is a Groton City councillor and Boris chairs the Groton Economic Development Commission. 

Democrats currently hold a 25-10 advantage in the Senate, with one vacancy, and have a 52-seat advantage in the 151-seat House.