Secretary Thomas, That Wasn’t an Apology — It Was a Deflection

By Mary Ann Turner
Vice Chairman, Connecticut Republican Party

At the recent ROVAC (Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut) conference—a professional gathering of the very people who make our elections run—Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas stood at the podium and delivered a speech that stunned many in attendance. Instead of focusing on collaboration, training, or improvements to the electoral system, she used her remarks to belittle, insult, and politicize.

In her speech, Secretary Thomas compared efforts to ensure election integrity to tactics used by the Nazi SS. Yes, the very law enforcement arm of Hitler’s regime. The reference was shocking, inappropriate, and grossly offensive—especially coming from the top election official in Connecticut. And while she now claims it was a poor choice of words or just “hyperbole,” let’s be honest: it was calculated and it was deliberate.

The backlash was swift. Registrars—Republican and Democrat alike—voiced concern. And in response, Secretary Thomas issued an “apology” by email that wasn’t an apology at all. It was damage control wrapped in defensiveness. She said she didn’t mean to offend, but also doubled down, suggesting that those who were upset simply misunderstood her intent.

Let me be perfectly clear: this wasn’t a misunderstanding. This was a partisan attack, cloaked in the language of “election security.” While claiming to speak on behalf of democracy, Secretary Thomas insulted Republicans, undermined registrars, and injected divisive rhetoric into what should be a neutral space.

If she truly believed in bipartisan cooperation, she would have used her platform to uplift and unite—not to denigrate and provoke. And let’s not forget, she also took a swipe at President Donald Trump in that same speech, further revealing her partisan motivations.

The role of Secretary of the State is not to play pundit or activist. It is to serve as a neutral guardian of our elections—working with all parties, all registrars, and all voters to ensure fairness and trust in the process. When Ella Grasso held that office, she focused on access and integrity, not applause lines and political cheap shots.

The people of Connecticut expect better—and they deserve better.

Secretary Thomas, if your goal is to be a commentator, step down and go join a cable news panel. But if you intend to remain in office, start acting like the nonpartisan leader your role demands. Show respect for the registrars who serve this state with integrity—many of whom have decades of experience. Stop trying to spin your way out of controversy, and start rebuilding the trust you’ve damaged.

Because at the end of the day, elections must be about voters—not political egos. We need truth in voting. We need accountability. And we need leaders who bring people together—not tear them apart.