Michelle Embree Ku Receives Endorsement Of Independent Party of CT

**News Release Submitted by Michelle Embree Ku Campaign**

Sept. 19, 2024

Having received the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut, Michelle Embree Ku will appear on the November 5th ballot as both a Democratic and an Independent candidate for State Representative for Newtown’s 106th District. Voters who support Embree Ku will have the option of choosing one or the other.

After receiving news of the endorsement, Embree Ku shared in a social media post that she is “very pleased to have the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut. I strongly believe that people are far more important than parties and that relationships are the foundation of good policy.”

According to their mission, the Independent Party of Connecticut “looks for candidates who want to constructively engage across the aisle and make incremental progress to issues we face here in Connecticut."

“I have consistently worked across party lines to get things done,” said Embree Ku, “whether on the Board of Selectmen, as a Legislative Council member, or as a Board of Education Chair. I strongly believe that we are better served by people who can leave partisan ideology at the chamber doors and focus instead on ideas and solutions.”

Newtown resident Bruce Walczak, who is a member of the State Central Committee for the Independent Party said “We are proud to endorse Michelle for State Representative. She brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to representing Newtown.”

Embree Ku currently serves on Newtown’s Board of Selectmen which has the unique makeup of a Republican First Selectman and two Democratic Selectmen. Although there have been split votes on the Board, they have not fallen along party lines.

“I have supported efforts to fill commissions locally with all citizens, including unaffiliated and minor party members. And while I was Chair of the Board of Education, I worked hard to keep partisan politics out of our work. It means a lot to me to have the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut and I take their mission to heart.”

The Independent Party mission indicates that they “represent people who think for themselves and wish to advance the welfare and well-being of Connecticut residents through common-sense governance both statewide and at the local, municipality level.”

Embree Ku is running on a platform of prioritizing access to healthcare, environmental protections, quality education, and more housing options. A biologist working in regulatory affairs, she and her husband raised their three children in Newtown and her mother lives nearby in Southbury.

“People want working solutions to real problems, regardless of where they come from," Embree Ku noted. “I am fortunate to have had the ability to serve Newtown for the last 11 years. I look forward to working in Hartford to represent all Newtown residents, regardless of political affiliations.”