NEW HARTFORD, CT — Harwinton First Selectman Michael Criss secured the Republican nomination Wednesday night to challenge incumbent state Sen. Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, for Connecticut’s 8th Senate District seat.
The 8th Senate District includes Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Norfolk and Simsbury, along with portions of Granby, Harwinton and Torrington.
Delegates gathered at New Hartford Town Hall for the district convention, where Criss accepted the nomination to represent Republicans in the upcoming election.
New Hartford First Selectman Dan Jerram delivered the nominating speech for Criss, while New Hartford Republican Town Committee Chairman Greg O’Brien delivered a second speech supporting the nomination and calling Criss “a true gentleman committed to serving all the residents of the district.”
In his acceptance remarks, Criss described the campaign as “the beginning of a movement.”
“A movement to restore common sense, accountability, affordability, and the rights of the people of Connecticut,” Criss said.
Criss said his campaign would focus on supporting middle-class families, improving government accountability, and addressing economic concerns facing residents.
“This campaign is not about headlines, politics, or personal ambition. It is about the people,” Criss said. “It is about the people struggling to make ends meet, the taxpayers demanding accountability, and communities that deserve to have their voices heard.”
Criss concluded his remarks by urging supporters to unite ahead of the general election campaign against Honig, who was first elected in 2024.
From May 19: 'Incumbent Dem Endorsed For 8th Senate Against GOP Challenger'
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