by Staff Report
HARTFORD, CT — House Republicans unanimously chose Vincent Candelora to serve a fourth term as their leader Thursday night, backing the North Branford lawmaker to continue guiding the caucus.
Candelora said he and his caucus colleagues are ready for the next legislative session and will focus on proposals to make Connecticut more affordable.
“It continues to be an honor to serve my district and lead the House Republican caucus,” Candelora said. “The contrast between our caucus and a House Democratic caucus that has shifted dramatically left couldn’t be clearer. We will be ready to fight the tax increases and government expansion the progressive majority will undoubtedly launch, and we will continue to offer solutions to the most pressing issues facing Connecticut residents.”
Candelora was first chosen as House Republican leader in 2020. He represents the 86th Assembly District, which also includes sections of Durham, East Haven, and Guilford.
Candelora’s Caucus Shrinks After Election
Candelora will lead a much smaller caucus in 2027. House Republicans lost 14 seats in Tuesday’s election. Democrats are on track to hold a 116-35 majority when the 2027 legislative session convenes on Jan. 6. That would be the party’s largest House majority since 1974. Republicans held 49 seats during the 2026 session.
Candelora blamed the losses on what he called chaos in Washington, not on support for Democratic leadership in Connecticut.
Among the House Republicans who lost on Tuesday were Assistant Minority Leader Mitch Bolinsky of Newtown, the caucus’ No. 2 member, and Republican whip Cara Pavalock-D’Amato. Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, also lost.
House Democrats, meanwhile, backed Matt Ritter for another term as speaker and elected Jason Rojas majority leader.