by Karla Ciaglo
House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R‑North Branford, has joined colleagues nationwide in issuing a bipartisan statement rejecting political violence, signing onto a document released Friday, Sept. 14, by the Rodel Fellowship Class of 2024.
The statement responds to national tragedies, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, and the June attacks in Minnesota, where State Rep.Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered, and Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were targeted in an attack.
“We, the members of the Rodel Fellowship Class of 2024, are horrified by the recent acts of political violence that have shaken our nation … Like most Americans, we unequivocally condemn these heinous acts,” the statement says. “There is no place in our democracy for violence as a means of silencing voices or advancing political causes.”
Signed by 18 officials from across the political spectrum, it includes Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Montgomery, Al. Mayor Steven Reed, and Candelora. The group comprises state legislators, statewide officeholders, mayors, and commissioners, both Republicans and Democrats, who came together through the Rodel Fellowship to study democratic principles, share personal stories, and build relationships beyond partisan lines.
Founded in 2005, the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowship is a leadership program for elected officials. In the program, 24 state and local leaders — 12 from each party — participate in three multi-day seminars over two years, studying texts including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and writings by Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Guided by scholars, Rodel fellows explore ethical governance, democratic principles, and effective leadership. Alumni gather periodically to discuss public policy in a nonpartisan setting.
More than 380 leaders have completed the program, many going on to serve as U.S. senators, governors, mayors, Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, and even vice president, according to the institute..
Candelora said the fellowship experience allows leaders to engage in conversations “about policy, politics, and life” that transcend legislative clashes, and that violence cannot be the path for resolving differences. He said he was proud to join the statement because it reflects a commitment to constructive, respectful dialogue.
The statement echoes broader concern in Connecticut over political threats and hostile rhetoric. In response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Connecticut officials expressed bipartisan alarm. Governor Ned Lamont, Rep. John Larson, State Sen. Ryan Fazio, and party leaders stressed that violence is never acceptable and political disagreements must be resolved through debate and the ballot box.
“Political violence of any kind has no place in our country and is never acceptable,” said US Rep. John Larson, D-1st District.
Earlier in August, Connecticut lawmakers addressed the culture war on social media. House leaders Candelora, Speaker Matt Ritter, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas called for respect and dignity following harassment directed at state Rep. Corey Paris, D‑Stamford, whose post about ICE activity in Stamford was shared by far-right accounts, prompting threats against Paris and his family. The leaders said the prevalence of social media “has created an environment that has resulted in threats and demeaning criticisms of varying levels to both Republicans and Democrats” and urged colleagues to post responsibly.
Earlier this week, Lamont reassured school leaders and families that threats and acts of political violence have no place in Connecticut schools and that clear safety plans are in place.
In its statement, the Rodel Class of 2024 emphasized that “our experience proves that civil discourse isn’t just possible — it’s essential” and called on Americans to reject violence and recommit to constructive engagement.