State Sen. Tony Hwang To Retire From CT Senate

FAIRFIELD, CT — Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang, who was serving in his fifth term representing the 28th District, announced Monday that he is not seeking re-election in the fall and is retiring from the Senate.

"After many meaningful years of public service, I have decided that the time has come to step away from state elected office and begin the next chapter of my life," Hwang, a Fairfield resident, said in a statement. "Serving the people of Connecticut’s 28th State Senate District has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life."

As for his future, Hwang said he plans to return to his real estate profession, and spend "more time with my loving wife and our adult children, who sacrificed so much to allow me the privilege of serving."

Additionally, he will look for "opportunities to teach and mentor young leaders about constructive participation in government, politics, and civic life."

The 28th District represents Fairfield, Bethel, Easton and Newtown, and at one point also included all or parts of Weston, Westport and Trumbull.

Hwang is leaving public life as one of the area's most recognizable legislators, known for his gregarious nature, and showing up at countless events and meetings.

"Throughout my tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, I approached this responsibility with humility and a deep respect for the institution, its traditions, and the people we serve," Hwang said. "I have sought to represent our communities with integrity, character, and a commitment to thoughtful, principled leadership."

Despite his popularity, in February, Hwang suffered a setback when he was defeated by incumbent Democrat Christine Vitale for Fairfield's First Selectperson post. He was credited with running an energetic, positive campaign.

"The result of this Fairfield First Selectperson special election was not what we hoped for." Hwang wrote in a statement following the loss. "I’m disappointed, of course. But above all, I am deeply grateful, because something important happened here. People showed up. People spoke. People voted. In a time when too many feel unheard or disillusioned, that matters. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It belongs to the people."

In Hartford, one could sense some of Hwang's frustrations with the General Assembly over matters such as the affordable housing bill, 8-30g legislation, and spending and tax increases.

He also fought against the rising tide of incivility in politics.

"In an era marked by emotional and political polarization - and a troubling erosion of civility in public discourse - I have remained committed to respectful engagement and collaborative problem-solving," Hwang said. "Even in moments of passionate debate over policy and principle, I chose not to engage in personal attacks. Our democracy depends on the ability to disagree without demeaning one another, and I remain proud that my service reflected that belief."

Tony Hwang's full statement:

After many meaningful years of public service, I have decided that the time has come to step away from state elected office and begin the next chapter of my life. Serving the people of Connecticut’s 28th State Senate District has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life.

Throughout my tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, I approached this responsibility with humility and a deep respect for the institution, its traditions, and the people we serve. I have sought to represent our communities with integrity, character, and a commitment to thoughtful, principled leadership.

I am profoundly grateful for the countless friendships and meaningful interactions with constituents, colleagues, community leaders, and advocates who have enriched this journey. Public service is ultimately about people, and I have been continually inspired by the generosity, dedication, and civic spirit of those across Fairfield/Southport, Easton, Westport, Weston, Trumbull, Newtown/Sandy Hook, and Bethel.

In an era marked by emotional and political polarization - and a troubling erosion of civility in public discourse - I have remained committed to respectful engagement and collaborative problem-solving. Even in moments of passionate debate over policy and principle, I chose not to engage in personal attacks. Our democracy depends on the ability to disagree without demeaning one another, and I remain proud that my service reflected that belief.

As a proud Connecticut Republican, I believe deeply in fiscal accountability paired with social responsibility - responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, paired with compassion and respect for the dignity of every person.

Looking ahead, I hope to help address the current climate of division by working with nonprofit partners and academic institutions to encourage renewed civic engagement and leadership. My goal is to help future generations understand that community must always come before political labels - and that effective governance requires collaboration, empathy, courage, and respect.

Personally, I look forward to spending more time with my loving wife and our adult children, who sacrificed so much to allow me the privilege of serving. I will also return to my real estate profession while seeking opportunities to teach and mentor young leaders about constructive participation in government, politics, and civic life.

To everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey - thank you. Your trust, friendship, and partnership will remain among the greatest blessings of my life.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story did not properly phrase Tony Hwang's decision. Hwang clarified his statement by telling Patch that he is "not running for re-election and retiring from state senate."