Longtime Cheshire State Rep. Fritz Plans to Retire

Longtime Wallingford and Cheshire State Rep. Mary Fritz (D-90) has announced plans to retire from the legislature after serving for 32 years.

Fritz, 77, told the Meriden Record-Journal that she will finish out her two-year term but won’t seek reelection in November.

Fritz first won election in 1982, but lost her reelection bid in 1984 before retaking the seat in 1986 and never losing it, according to the Record-Journal.

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Fritz currently serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker and is a member of the Planning & Development Committee and the Judiciary Committee. She has also served as Deputy Speaker, Deputy Majority Leader, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Internship Committee, Chair of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

Fritz is a past member of the Education Committee and the Select Committee on Workforce Development.

Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said that Fritz is a “strong person who will be sorely missed in the state legislature.”

“My very first year in office I remember learning many valuable lessons from Mary,” Fasano said in a statement. “She taught me what it means to represent your constituents with more than just your votes. She taught me about persistence, advocacy and dedication to give the people of our districts a voice at the Capitol. She always voted her conscience, not party lines.

“I have an incredible amount of respect for Mary and I will be very sad to see her retire from the legislature.”

Prior to her election to the General Assembly, Fritz served as a member of the Wallingford Board of Education, was a teacher and owner of a private nursery for nine years and was a manager and co-owner of a custom furniture and gift store in Wallingford.

Fritz lives in Wallingford with her husband William Fritz. They have six children and 14 grandchildren.

Photo via housedems.ct.gov