Local Democrats win Connecticut State Assembly races
Staff Report
While Republicans claimed victory nationally in Tuesday’s election, Democrats notched some significant wins locally in the Farmington Valley, flipping at least two seats, and holding on to others.
In a closely watched race in Connecticut’s 8th Senate District, Democrat Paul Honig beat incumbent Republican Lisa Seminara. Honig had lost to Seminara in 2022 by just 124 votes and the seat has not been held by a Democrat for some 50 years.
This time, according to the Secretary of the State’s Unofficial results, Honig gained 24,031 votes or 51.99 percent of the vote, while Seminara had 22,188 votes for 48.01 percent
“The ride continues! I just received a call from Senator Seminara who graciously conceded,” Honig wrote to supporters Wednesday afternoon. “She ran a spirited campaign and worked hard as State Senator.
“Thank you to the voters of the 8th district who chose me to represent them in the state senate. I am honored to be your representative and humbled by the faith that you’ve put in me. I can’t wait to get to work on your behalf to find solutions to the problems that are making things so difficult for many.This is the first time in more than 50 years that the 8th district will be represented by a Democrat. I’m very proud of this accomplishment, but this was a team effort and there are so many to thank.
"I met so many great people on my bicycle tour of the district. Thank you to the thousands who took the time to speak with me and tell me their stories. They told me about the challenges they faced on a daily basis and the values that were important to them. They taught me about issues that they had expertise in and shared interesting parts of their lives. They are the reason I ran for this office and I’ll carry their stories with me into the senate chamber.
"Thank you to all the volunteers across the 8th district: the door knockers, drivers, phone bankers, postcard writers, sign deliverers, copy editors, social media promoters and everyone who had an encouraging word to say. Thank you to everyone who donated to my campaign.Thank you to the amazing state reps from the 8th district who helped get me across the finish line: Eleni Kavros DeGraw, Tammy Exum, Maria Horn, Michelle Cook and Melissa Osborne. Thank you to my good friend Kim Becker who campaigned with me in the 62nd.Thanks to the amazing 8th district DTC chairs: Steve Ivain, Jack Casey, Tucker Salls, Lynn Guelzow, Edna Travis, Don Stein, Amanda Lukingbeal, June Peterson and Walter Godlewski. But, especially to Katie Kenney and Eliza Massaro who poured their heart and soul into this campaign.Thank you to Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and the Senate Democratic caucus for the faith you put in me. Most of all, thanks to my partner in life, my wife Diane, who once again stepped up to support me in so many ways. No one worked harder than Diane in this winning effort. Thanks honey, I love you!I’m so excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work on your behalf.”
Seminara also released a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“While the results of this election are not what we hoped for, my heart remains full of gratitude and humility,” she wrote. “I am immensely proud of the positive campaign we ran and the values we represented. We fought hard, fair, and remained laser-focused on the issues important to the people of the 8th District.
“I want to thank all the volunteers, the RTCs, poll workers, town officials, and my fellow legislators. Your hard work and dedication to my race has truly been remarkable, and I have the utmost appreciation and gratitude for you.
“I certainly cannot forget my campaign team. Collectively, your guidance, wisdom, and encouragement have been the backbone of our efforts. You believed in me when I needed it the most, and although we did not have the desired outcome, we ran an incredibly successful campaign. Lastly, I want to thank my family. I appreciate your unconditional love and unwavering support.
"To my opponent, I extend my congratulations. The voters have spoken, and I respect their decision. I wish you success as you take on the responsibilities of the office. It is my sincere hope you will govern with a commitment to the well-being of all our citizens. Our state faces many challenges, and we must come together to address them. Let us become united, hopeful, and determined to build a brighter future for Connecticut.”
The 8th District contains most of the Farmington Valley (Avon, Canton, Simsbury), as well as Norfolk, Hartland, New Hartford, Colebrook and parts of Granby, Harwinton and Torrington
22nd State House District
Democrats flipped at least one other seat that includes a portion of the Farmington Valley.
The 22nd House District, which covers Plainville and portions of Southington and Farmington, Democrat Rebecca Martinez won the seat in a rematch again Francis Cooley. He had won by just 53 votes in 2022.
This time around, Martinez had 6551 votes or 51.75 percent to Cooley’s 6,108 or 48.25 percent.
“We did it!!! Thank you Plainville, Southington and Farmington for putting your trust in me,” Martinez wrote on her campaign Facebook page. “I cannot wait to get to work representing our communities in Hartford!”
On his campaign Facebook, Cooley posted the following two messages, first writing,
“Off to the next adventure in life. It's been real.” And later adding, “Thanks to all who worked in the campaign. Sorry it didn't turn out as many had hoped.”
19th District State House Seat
In the 19th State House District, which covers portions of Avon and West Hartford, Tammy Exum ran unopposed and got 11,388 votes.
Other local Democrats stave off challengers
Several Democratic Incumbents also won races, including:
• In the 16th State House District, which covers Simsbury, Democrat Melissa Osborne beat her challenger with 9,721 or 61.95 percent of the votes, according to the unofficial tally. Republican Michael Shulitz had 5,997 votes or 38.15 percent.
• In the 17th State House District, which covers Canton and a portion of Avon, Democrat Eleni Kavros-DeGraw garnered 9,128 votes for 62.87 percent, according to the unofficial results while Republican challenger Manju Gerber gained 5,391 votes, or 37.13 percent.
• In the 21st State House District, which covers Farmington, Democratic incumbent Mike Demicco had 8,897 votes to Republican Challenger Johnny Carrier’s 4,834.
• In the 5th District State Senate Race, which covers portions of West Hartford, Burlington, Farmington and Bloomfield, Democrat Derek Slap won 68.12 percent of the vote, with 36,374 votes and Kyla Zimmerman had 17,020 votes for 31.88 percent.
• And in the state’s 6th Senate District, which includes New Britain, Berlin and parts of Farmington, Democrat Rick Lopes gained 20,167 votes or 58.45 percent, according to the unofficial tally, while Republican Tremell Collins had 41.56 percent of the vote, or 14,340 votes.
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