May 14, 2026

Written by Juliana Simone

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 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, in that 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 an political insider. Amanda North, the new Chairman of the Barkhamsted RTC, agrees and gives her full support to Corey joining Fazio.