Rep. Stephanie Thomas Announces Campaign For Secretary Of State

NORWALK, CT — Surrounded by campaign volunteers and supporters outside the Norwalk Art Space, State Rep. Stephanie Thomas (D-Norwalk, Wilton, Westport) announced Wednesday morning the launch of her campaign for Connecticut's next secretary of the state.

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced this summer she will not run for reelection in 2022.

According to a statement from Thomas, she is the only Democrat who has filed a Candidate Committee indicating she is formally seeking the position thus far.

"For as long as I can remember, I've been passionate about civic engagement," Thomas said in her announcement. "I think that voting is the underpinning of our democracy, and it breaks my heart quite literally when I hear people say that they don't plan to vote or that voting doesn't matter. I think that apathy often wins more elections than any of our political parties, and I believe it's time for that to change."

Thomas, who serves as vice chair of the state's Government Administration and Elections Committee, told her crowd of supporters she believes the next secretary of the state can help transform Connecticut's landscape and restore faith in its elections and government.

She also vowed, if elected, to fight for every Connecticut resident with transparency, advocacy and integrity.

According to her campaign, Thomas has co-sponsored and helped pass a variety of voter focused bills in Hartford, such as automatic voter registration at state agencies and resolutions to advance early voting and no-excuse absentee ballot voting.

"I have made a career out of problem-solving and finding solutions that work," Thomas said. "I will bring that same proactive attention to the position of Secretary of the State to champion transparency in government, streamlined business processes and complete trust in our elections."

Thomas emphasized her priorities are transparency, advocacy, technology, funding, education and trust.

"I am focused on restoring trust in our elections," Thomas said. "I'm committed to partnering with all groups and political parties in an open and transparent manner to ensure that all voters are enfranchised and that every citizen knows that their vote counted."

She also noted her experience as a small business owner was proof she understands what it takes to grow and manage a successful enterprise. Her work as a strategy and fundraising consultant for over two decades, meanwhile, has required her to "consistently [build] consensus and quickly cut through the politics" of groups with different priorities.

"I must find common ground quickly and create win/win solutions," Thomas said. "My work has been valued by my clients because I am not afraid to speak my mind...I ask difficult questions and I challenge historical assumptions."

Thomas thanked her friends and colleagues for joining her Wednesday morning, referring to them as the wind under her sails.

"Literally every single person here has been so supportive since I first entered the political arena, and I have always done this for people not politics," Thomas said, "so to see the people come out to support me...you're going to make me cry."

She said her next steps are fundraising and making herself known across the state.

"I think Fairfield County knows me well, Hartford knows me well and a lot of my fellow legislators know me well," Thomas said, "but I look forward to meeting everybody around the state of Connecticut."