April 23, 2026
Written by Juliana Simone
On April 20th, at the monthly Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee meeting, members enthusiastically agreed to join all of the SD08 RTC’s, statewide legislators and businesses to endorse long-serving First Selectman of Harwinton, Michael Criss. First Selectman Criss attended the meeting to present himself as the State Senate’s 8th district candidate.
The eighth district is the second largest in the state and includes the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington. (partial)
State Senate District 8, has been a Republican seat for 57 years until 2024. The last democrat to serve was Paul Falsey in 1967. Ironically, the minority member of the Board of Selectman under Criss, Paul Honig, who served 3 terms, beat one-term State Senate member Lisa Seminara from Avon with 50.27% of the vote to break that streak. In 2022, the two had another close matchup with Seminara winning by 50.13%.
Because Honig’s win was less than one-half of a percent, a recount was mandated. Honig won over Seminara by 320 votes.
First Selectman, Michael Criss, had a notable win in 2011 over an entrenched democrat incumbent. Though new to politics, Mike appealed to his town voters by sharing their same values. He has been reelected seven times since his first election due to his hard work ethic, policies, dedication and likability.
Moving into the State Senate race in 2026, people had this to say about Michael Criss:
Vice Chairman of the Barkhamsted RTC David Moulton (former Chairman):
“The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee proudly endorses Mike Criss for the eighth District Senate seat. Mike has a long history as Harwinton First Selectman fighting for local control and against Hartford’s overreach into our communities. As our next Senator, he has committed to lowering our tax burden and reducing the unreasonable mandates being thrust upon our small towns. During this year celebrating American’s 250th anniversary, Mike represents everything this country was founded on, and why every freedom loving citizen should vote for him.”
Former Chairman Juliana Simone (2010 – January 2026):
“Working on a Congressional campaign in the fifth district for candidate Mark Greenberg, we used to run into Mike all the time at area events. He was enthusiastic, diligent, patriotic and someone we embraced. We were correct in our assessment of his capabilities, as he’s been a successful First Selectman ever since his first term. He will make a fine State Senator.”
Criss is a fifth-generation Harwinton resident who graduated with high honors from the Oliver Wolcott Tech School in Torrington to become a licensed master plumber and start his own business. He went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island with a finance and marketing degree. Now, as a public servant, he has cut taxes, modernized town services, secured millions in grants, and launched programs that still serve residents today. He is the father of two teenage sons.
Criss shows he has the full background to understand the needs of all Connecticut residents.
This post will be updated.
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