Dillon Endorsed By Walker, Winfield, Paolillo, Candelaria

by Thomas Breen

(Updated) State Rep. Pat Dillon announced on Thursday that she’s received the endorsements of four of her fellow New Haven state lawmakers — State Sen. Gary Winfield and State Reps. Toni Walker, Al Paolillo Jr., and Juan Candelaria.

Dillon’s reelection campaign rolled out those endorsements in a Thursday night press release. They mark just the latest endorsements the 21-term incumbent has secured in the runup to the Aug. 11 Democratic primary for the 92nd State House District race.

Dillon is running in that primary against fellow Democrats Eli Sabin and Justin Farmer.

In recent days, her campaign has announced endorsement after endorsement — including from the Teamsters, the Sierra Club, SEIU1199 and 32BJ SEIU, the Building Trades, and Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut — as she seeks to fend off her two challengers. She has also secured the support of the local Democratic Party, Board of Education member Andrea Downer, and state Speaker of the House Matt Ritter.

Sabin, meanwhile, has been endorsed by Mayor Justin Elicker and Board of Education member Ed Joyner, and Farmer has been endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America.

The district itself covers parts of Amity, Westville, Edgewood, West River, Dwight, and the Hill. Absentee-ballot voting has already begun and early voting starts on Monday.

Click here, here, and here to read about a debate the Independent hosted on Tuesday with the three candidates.

“Pat Dillon has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the people she serves,” Winfield is quoted as saying in Thursday’s press release. “She is a thoughtful leader and ally whose tireless efforts have been key to many of the legislative victories that have led to improvements in our communities and the lives of our families. Her dedication, integrity, and commitment to public service continue to make a real difference for the residents of New Haven, and I am proud to endorse her re-election.”

“As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I have seen firsthand the importance of having strong advocates who know how to navigate the legislative process and deliver results for their communities,” Walker is quoted as saying. “Pat Dillon has the tenacity, experience, and know-how to secure critical funding and resources for New Haven. She understands our neighborhoods, listens to residents, and works tirelessly to ensure our city gets the support it needs. Her leadership has made a meaningful difference, and I am proud to endorse her re-election.”

“The strength of New Haven’s legislative delegation has always been our ability to work together as a team on behalf of the city we love,” Paolillo is quoted as saying. “Pat Dillon is a key part of that team. She brings experience, dedication, and a relentless focus on delivering results for New Haven residents. Whether it’s securing resources, advocating for our neighborhoods, or working collaboratively to address local challenges, Pat plays an essential role in helping our delegation get things done. I am proud to endorse her re-election.”

“I’ve had the privilege of serving with Pat Dillon, and I’ve seen firsthand her commitment to our community,” Candelaria is quoted as saying. “She shows up, listens, and delivers real results for working families. I’m proud to support Patricia Dillon for State Representative.,” She has always put the interests of New Haven first, and I am honored to support her campaign.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of Senator Winfield and Representatives Walker, Paolillo, and Candelaria,” Dillon is quoted as saying in Thursday’s press release. “Together, we have worked to strengthen our neighborhoods, improve public services, and create opportunities for New Haven families. I look forward to continuing that work and earning the support of voters once again.”

The two New Haven state lawmakers not included in Thursday’s endorsement announcement are State Sen. and President Pro Team Martin Looney, of the 11th State Senate District; State Rep. Roland Lemar, of the 96th State House District; and State Rep. Steve Winter of the 94th State House District.

In a phone interview Friday morning, Looney told the Independent that he has not made any endorsements in the 92nd District race because caucus leaders like himself do not get involved in state-legislative primaries unless if they are taking place in their own districts.

That’s why Looney has endorsed a candidate in another contested New Haven state rep primary, on the east-side of town. Earlier this week, he threw his support behind first-term Morris Cove Alder Leland Moore, who is running against city Fair Rent Commission Executive Director Wildaliz Bermudez for the 97th State House District seat. That seat is currently held by Paolillo, who is running to fill Looney’s State Senate seat, now that Looney plans on retiring.

Lemar and Winter also told the Independent on Friday that they too will not be making an endorsement in the 92nd District primary.

Lemar said that he has a “deep and long relationship” with Dillon, and that Sabin is a “friend, mentee,” and someone who has worked on Lemar’s own campaigns. He said he considers Sabin a “close friend.”

Lemar said he chose not to make an endorsement in this race because “I respect them [both] so much.” 

Ultimately, he said, the voters of the 92nd District will decide who should represent them in the State House. 

In a separate phone call, Winter noted his long working relationships with Dillon in the State House, Sabin as a former member of the Board of Alders, and Farmer as a former member of the Hamden Legislative Council. (Winters district includes parts of Hamden and New Haven.) He too said he wanted to leave it to the voters to make the decision.

This article has been updated with quotes from Martin Looney, Roland Lemar, and Steve Winter.