Honig Endorsement Finalizes Rematch For 8th Senate

TORRINGTON, CT — A rematch became official this week in the 8th Senate District in Connecticut, with Democrat Paul Honig of Harwinton officially getting the endorsement.

As a result, he will battle incumbent state Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon, for the seat this November. Seminara narrowly defeated Honig in 2022 for the seat and is seeking another term in office.

Tuesday Honig was unanimously endorsed to be the Democratic nominee for the wide-reaching district, which hosted its convention that day in Torrington.

The 8th Senate includes Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury, and portions of Torrington, Harwinton, and Granby.

Honig, a former finance professional serving his third term on the Harwinton Board of Selectmen, first ran for the office in 2022.

Seeking a longtime Republican-controlled seat, Honig was defeated by Seminara 22,944-22,820 in 2022.

“I believe that a government comprised of people with shared values and integrity can make a positive difference in people’s lives. And I share your values," Honig said in a statement after the convention held at the Bad Dog Brewing Co. in Torrington.

Among those "values" are, according to Honig: growing the economy; reducing housing, healthcare, and energy costs; defending a woman's right to make her healthcare decisions; and supporting police and gun safety.

Honig was nominated by Simsbury First Selectperson Wendy Mackstutis and his nomination was seconded by Colebrook First Selectman Brad Bremer.

“He has been serving the residents of Harwinton on the BOS, and now it’s time that he puts his public service and professional experience to work for a wider audience at the state level," said Mackstutis in a statement.

"He cares about the future of our state and wants to be able to do more to improve CT’s economy, our infrastructure, the environment and improve the lives of all CT residents."

Honig graduated from the dual-degree management and technology program at the University of Pennsylvania.

He earned both a bachelor of science in economics majoring in finance from the Wharton School of Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science concentrating in computer science from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

He then went on to a 22-year career in fixed-income finance.

In addition to being a Harwinton selectman, Honig serves as treasurer of Region 10 Make A Mark, Inc., a local nonprofit that provides grants to students, teachers, and administrators.

He's also the treasurer and executive board member at his synagogue, the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation in Simsbury.

Previously, Honig was a math teacher and tutor for high and middle school students.

He lives in Harwinton with a wife and two sons.

From Jan. 16: 'Seminara To Seek Re-Election In 8th Senate'

From Jan. 8: 'Democrat Honig Eyes Rematch For 8th Senate Seat'