FROM OUR FIRST SELECTMAN
First Selectman Fred Camillo on what one-party control has cost Connecticut, and why this election is the chance to restore balance in Hartford and a voice in Washington.
Connecticut has a fundamental problem that goes beyond any single tax, regulation or piece of legislation: We have completely lost political balance in Hartford, and we also have no political balance in Washington.
For close to two decades, Democrats have maintained a trifecta in Connecticut, controlling the governorship and both chambers of the General Assembly. Today, Democrats hold 25 of 36 seats in the State Senate and 102 of 151 seats in the House—enough to constitute veto-proof supermajorities. (Ballotpedia News)
This is the case despite Republicans consistently receiving roughly 42% of the statewide vote in state elections. That should translate into a meaningful voice in the legislative process. Instead, Republicans are a superminority in Hartford. Connecticut also currently has no Republicans among our constitutional officers or in our seven-member congressional delegation. (Ballotpedia)
Yet Connecticut voters are not a two-thirds Democratic electorate. This is not an argument for one-party government in the other direction. It is an argument for balance.
And the results should make us ask some difficult questions. Connecticut ranks 47th nationally in the Tax Foundation’s 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. ALEC’s 2025 economic performance ranking places Connecticut 48th. Our state also continues to struggle with job creation and the cost of doing business. (Tax Foundation)
Our state deserves better.
Consider this: In 2017, the State Senate was tied at 18-18, and the House of Representatives was 79-72 in favor of the Democrats. Because of that balance, brief as it was, the Republican budget was actually passed (the only minority party budget in the nation that year to be approved) and the result was a bonding cap, spending cap, and volatility cap, all of which led to the eventual surpluses of the past few years (after year after year deficits).
We have tremendous assets: outstanding universities, highly educated residents, geographic location next to New York City, a beautiful landscape, and a quality of life that remains among our strengths. But those advantages should not be an excuse for accepting mediocre economic results.
Yet, Connecticut continues to be poorly ranked and near the bottom when it comes to out migration, cost of living, and tax burden.
Our state deserves better.
Competition requires accountability. Accountability requires debate. And debate requires a legislature where the minority has enough strength to challenge the majority, offer alternatives and force both parties to defend their ideas.
Connecticut does not need more partisan gridlock. It needs more competition of ideas.
After years of one-party dominance, Connecticut voters, once again, have an opportunity to restore that balance.
Over 42% of residents have voted for Republicans in the past several elections, and that sizable population has 0% representation in our Federal delegation in Washington, 0% in the Constitutional offices, and no voice in the Governor’s mansion or Connecticut General Assembly.
This election is a chance to restore real competition in Hartford and a voice in Washington. Republican, Independent, and unaffiliated voter turnout is how we return balance.
Our state deserves better.
— Fred Camillo, First Selectman, Town of Greenwich
