DAILY NEWS CLIP: January 21, 2025

CT state representative to face DeLauro’s press secretary for open Senate seat


Stamford Advocate – Monday, January 20, 2025
By Ken Dixon

Candidates for the Feb. 25 special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by former Sen. Kevin Kelly of Stratford were finalized last week in the four-town district that includes Shelton and parts of Monroe and Seymour.

Democrat Anthony Afriyie, 27, press secretary for veteran 3rd District U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Republican state Rep. Jason Perillo, 47, who was first elected to the House in a special 2007 election, were the unanimous picks of their respective parties during recent conventions.

“I’m running because I believe in bringing a fresh perspective to our political discourse,” Afriyie said in a Monday morning phone interview. “I want to help us shift our futures toward where policies align with the aspirations of younger generations. I really want to focus on economic inequality and the cost of living. I want to support workforce training and create pathways to good-paying jobs. I want to expand school readiness programs, our infrastructure and environmental sustainability.”

Perillo said his work as a member of the House – each seat represents about 23,800 people – should translate to the Senate, where each lawmaker represents about 100,000 people.

“We’ve had a lot of success in Shelton with economic development and keeping things affordable, particularly for seniors,” Perillo said on Friday. “I’ll work with local leaders in Stratford, Monroe and Seymour, as well, to make all of our communities more affordable. I have great relationships with local officials and we’ll make a great team working together. Our communities have so much in common. From our farms in Shelton and Monroe to the importance of Sikorsky Aircraft throughout the district, I have a track record of success.”

Kelly resigned from what would have been an eighth two-year term in the Senate in anticipation of Gov. Ned Lamont’s plans to nominate him to a Superior Court seat, sources have said.

The other special election set for February 25, to replace fourth-term Rep. Christine Conley, D-Groton, will feature Democrat Daniel Gaiewski against Republican Robert Boris.

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