HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont has scheduled a special election for Jan. 13 to fill a vacancy in the 139th General Assembly District.
The district, which consists of portions of Ledyard, Montville and Norwich, became vacant on Nov. 23 when state Rep. Kevin Ryan died.
Under state law, the governor is required to issue a writ of special election within 10 days of a seat in the General Assembly becoming vacant and a special election must be held exactly 46 days from the day the writ is issued.
Ryan, a Democrat who was first elected in 1992, was known as an ardent advocate for Eastern Connecticut. He served eight years as the House chairman of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and was co-chair of the School Building Subcommittee.
“Kevin was a constant presence with a steady hand on the dais, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend,” House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said in a joint statement. “His humorous exchanges with staff and colleagues, as well as the endless supply of Twizzlers, brought joy to long days and reminded us of the humanity at the heart of this work.”
In the past, Ryan had also served on the Montville Board of Education and as a past chairman of the Montville Democratic Town Committee, according to his legislative bio. He was also an active member of the Rotary, Elks, and Knights of Columbus clubs.
Lamont described Ryan as one of the friendliest legislators in Hartford and said he would miss his clever and humorous personality.
Another special election to fill a vacancy for the 25th House District is scheduled for Jan. 6. That seat became vacant Nov. 12 when Democratic state Rep. Bobby Sanchez resigned after being elected Mayor of New Britain.