Democrat Tony Afriyie of Stratford has received his party’s nomination to run for the special election in the 21st Senate District.
He will face Republican Jason Perillo, who has represented Shelton in the 113th House District since 2007 and on Thursday received his party’s nomination to run for the open Senate seat.
The special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The 21st District includes Shelton, Monroe, Stratford, and parts of Seymour, and has traditionally been Republican. The Democrats did not offer a candidate for the 2024 election.
Afriyie, however, said he is ready to bring fresh energy and bold solutions to Hartford.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of so many people across this district,” Afriyie said in a statement late Thursday. “Their trust inspires me to fight for the values we share: strengthening our communities, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring every family has a fair shot at success.”
Afriyie, a current town councilor in Stratford and a congressional staffer, said his campaign will focus on reducing the cost of living, ensuring our workforce is prepared for high-demand careers, and investing in education, infrastructure, and local businesses.
“This is our opportunity to come together and build a fairer future led by a new generation,” Afriyie said. “Together, we can turn vision into victory and progress into action. I’m running to deliver real solutions – whether it’s supporting small businesses, or ensuring our schools and infrastructure meet the needs of every resident.”
Afriyie is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University who was born in the Bronx, New York. He is a first-generation American with roots in Ghana, West Africa.
Perillo has said he plans to meet as many voters as possible in the next few weeks, especially outside of his hometown of Shelton, to build strong relationships and to learn what the needs are in each town.
He has served on several local boards and committees in Shelton, and in the legislature, he has a history of supporting small businesses and economic development. He said he intends to replicate the success he’s had in Shelton in the other three towns.
“Every town is a little bit different and every town has different needs,” he said. “I want to understand those needs and deliver what I can.”
Perillo is a lifelong Shelton resident and former chief of Echo Hose Ambulance, where he has been a volunteer since 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in business administration from Boston College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
If Perillo is elected for the Senate seat, another special election will need to be held to fill his House seat in the 113th District.
The 21st Senate District seat vacancy was created when former state Sen. Kevin Kelly resigned in January as he is being considered for a position as Superior Court judge.
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