Despite the sudden changes before the Connecticut GOP’s convention on Friday and Saturday, it is pleasing to report that everything went well over the two day period. Around 1100 delegates onhand and candidates opposed or unopposed either went through the formality of the roll call from the state delegation, or conceded with their opponents having clear favorability.
Good luck to all of our candidates:
Governor: State Senator Ryan Fazio
Lt. Governor: Matthew Corey
Attorney General: John Bolton
Comptroller: Jen Tooker
Secretary of the State: Peter Lumaj
Treasurer: Fred Wilms
CT-5 lines up to announce town votes for GOP Convention 2026 at the Mohegan Sun
Following former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s decision to suspend her gubernatorial campaign one day before the state convention—where delegates vote for nominees who will appear on the November ballot or proceed to an August primary—the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee now supports State Senator Ryan Fazio for Governor and has always supported former U.S. Senate and Congressional candidate Matthew Corey for Lt. Governor.
State Senator Fazio has impressed his caucus colleagues with his hard work ethic and ability to win and keep a blue district since first being elected in 2021, after the resignation of a democrat predecessor. At only 36 years of age, he has a long career ahead of him.
Matthew Corey, well known to former Chairman Juliana Simone who retired as Chair in January of this year, says Corey is the best choice for the Fazio ticket, because Matt brings veteran and small business votes to Fazio, as well as name recognition from diligently run statewide federal campaigns. As someone older than Ryan, Corey also brings wisdom, stature, and outsider appeal as someone who wants to serve the public but is not a political insider. Amanda North, the new Chairman of the Barkhamsted RTC, agrees and gives her full support to Corey joining Fazio.
Matthew Corey Lt. Governor candidate 2026 (former U.S. Senate and CT-1 candidate)
Delegates for the Republican convention gathered at the Torrington City Hall to nominate Attorney James Steck who is seeking a second term as the current Judge of Probate. There were no other nominations and the convention went smoothly. Delegates from the towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Goshen, Hartland, New Hartford, Torrington and Winchester voted unanimously to support Judge Steck to remain in his elected position. State Representative Joe Canino (R-65) attended to show his support, as well as current Barkhamsted RTC Chairman Amanda North and former Chair Juliana Simone. Steck told delegates how rewarding the job has been and detailed the many ways he has helped his constituents.
Probate Judge James Steck
State Representative Joe Canino (right) at the Judge of Probate Convention Torrington
Judge James Steck and Litchfield Chairman and State Central Committee member John Morris
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
