Arora Sworn In As State Representative

HARTFORD, CT — Harry Arora officially took office Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the house chamber of the State Capitol to become the new State Representative for the 151st General Assembly District, which includes parts of Greenwich.

Arora won the special election held Jan. 21 to replace Fred Camillo, who was elected as the town's First Selectman in November, with Arora, a Republican, beating Democratic candidate Cheryl Moss for the vacant position.

See also: Greenwich Special Election Results: Arora Wins State Rep Seat

According to a statement from the Connecticut General Assembly, Arora's wife and children joined him at the podium as Secretary of State Denise Merrill administered the oath.

"Harry Arora's victory added momentum for our Republican cause statewide and comes on the heals of a big win in the local elections in Greenwich and the Fairfield special election the week before," House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said in a statement. "We are on a run in Fairfield County. It was Harry's message to the voters of smaller, smarter government, lower taxes and a transportation plan that makes sense without dipping further into taxpayers' pocket that carried the day. We welcome Harry to our House Republican caucus as its newest member."

Arora will sit on the follow committees: commerce, banks and high education and employment advancement. The 2020 legislative session convenes Wednesday, Feb. 5, and will adjourn in May.

After Arora won the special election on Jan. 21, RTC Chair Richard DiPreta announced the results to a gathering of about 50 excited supporters at The Cos Cobber on E Putnam Avenue around 8:30 p.m.

"We're so proud of Harry and his entire campaign team," DiPreta said. "As we all know, Harry's just the guy to continue to represent us [in Hartford]."

The crowd erupted in cheers of "Harry! Harry!" as Arora entered the building following the announcement.

"We won this because we together ran a great race," Arora said. "We won this because Greenwich has clearly told us that they reject the division and the policies the other party is suggesting, and they accept and embrace what we stand for."

A resident of Greenwich's "mid-country" area, Arora has worked in the private sector for many years. According to the League of Women Voters, he has run an investment management business in town since 2006.

During that time, he has also been involved in political advocacy. A few years ago, Arora decided he wanted to "make a bigger commitment" to serve his community.

"I am running to build on the legacy of Fred Camillo, our prior state [representative], who worked tirelessly to build consensus, support good fiscally sound and sensible policy, and get things done," Arora said in an email to Patch. "I am running so that our community can lead in Hartford."

Prior to the election, Arora said he wants to make sure the Greenwich community plays a lead role in policy-making at the state-level.

"I love my community," Arora said. "My values drive me to spend my time and energy serving the public and making our community, our state and our country a better place for everyone."

• Read Harry Arora's Patch candidate profile here.

Following the special election, Camillo expressed excitement that "his friend" Arora would be replacing him in Hartford as the new voice of the 151st District.

"I was honored to be that voice for the past 11 years," Camillo said in an email to Patch, "and know that Harry will experience that same pride of public service that energized me every day since November of 2008. The 151st is in good hands with Harry, and I look forward to partnering with him to advance the goals and protect the interests of our district and town."

Below are remarks made by Arora as he addressed the chamber Wednesday, according to a statement:

"As a young boy, I always wanted to serve, to help others. That's was what I was taught at home, that’s what I was taught in school, and that was part of my spiritual teachings. As a private citizen, I have tried my best to do those things, but now I embark on this journey to spend a substantially big part of my life, a big part of my time serving the public, serving the nearly 25,000 people in my district who have placed their trust in me, and serving the State of Connecticut.

I have two priorities: number one – to make sure I am the liaison, I am the advocate, and that I am the proponent for my constituents. Secondly, I want to make sure that I spend my time on policies which will help Connecticut become the fastest growing state. I think Connecticut has significant strategic advantages – locational, geographical, but most importantly, our people. We are a state with great people.

Finally, it'd be hard not to mention my personal story, the story of my family. Myself and my wife, Nisha, were at a swearing-in ceremony about 16 years ago when we got sworn-in as citizens of the United States of America, and now I have this opportunity given to me by the 25,000 people in my district to fight for them, to advocate for them, and to represent them.

I will work with all my abilities, with all my God-given gifts to make sure that trust is justified, and that I do my little bit to serve the public good and make life better for us in Connecticut."