by Julie Martin Banks CTNewsJunkie
The Democrats appear to have gained a net total of four seats in the state House of Representatives on Election Day, bringing their number to 102 in a 151-member chamber.
“It was a good day for Democrats,” House Speaker Matthew Ritter said. “I think we showed that we continue to run strong across the state.”
Ritter said Democrats are keeping a close eye on a couple races that are close in the 59th District, that includes East Windsor and Enfield, and the 65th District that covers Torrington. At least for now, it appears that Carol Hall, R-Enfield, has defeated challenger Rick LeBorious while Joe Canino successfully challenged incumbent Michelle Cook.
“Because of early voting and same day registration, there is still some tabulation going on,” Ritter said Wednesday.
FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Matt Ritter wraps up the 2024 legislative session for reporters shortly after midnight on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the state Capitol in Hartford. Credit:Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie
Republicans are claiming victories in both those races.
Ritter said among their 102 members there is a lot of diversity, which is a good thing for the state.
“You can see districts run counter to maybe the top of the ticket more because representatives can really meet people and talk to them on a personal basis,” Ritter said.
Both parties will each hold a caucus Thursday to choose their leaders moving into the next term.
Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said the House lost two good representatives in Holly Cheeseman, of the 37th District covering Montville, Salem and East Lyme, and Kathleen McCarty, who represents the 38th House District covering Montville and Waterford.
“They are well respected by both sides of the aisle,” Candelora said. “Their ability to focus on policies and really had a commitment to better the state of Connecticut was really unmatched.”
Ritter added the one race that ended in a loss for the Democrats, Rachel Khanna, of the 149th District that serves Greenwich and Stamford, was a surprise.
FILE PHOTO: House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, speaks to reporters about the Democrats’ plans for spending about $360 million in leftover ARPA funds during a news conference Monday, May 6, 2024, at the state Capitol in Hartford. Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie
Candelora said his caucus will probably host some post mortem discussions on what happened during the election cycle, but added that business has to continue as everyone looks forward to a new session.
“The biggest issue is going to be the budget which right now is headed to a deficit,” Candelora said, adding that Medicaid, education, and tackling the matter of disconnected youth in the state are other issues legislators need to address.
Election results always contain good and bad, Candelora said.
“For us we need every seat we can but it is very bittersweet,” he said.