53rd District State House Results: Wilson Phanious Vs. Nuccio

TOLLAND, CT — UPDATED 11:22 p.m. — The prevailing question facing voters in the 53rd Connecticut House of Representatives district as they headed to the polls Tuesday and filling out their absentee ballots beforehand was would the balance of power shift yet again in the seat?

With 4 of 4 precincts reporting, the tally was:

• Pat Wilson Pheanious, Democratic Party: 6,395
• Tammy Nuccio, Republican Party: 6,767
• Tammy Nuccio, Independent Party: 399
• Pat Wilson Pheanious, Working Families Party: 299

In 2020, it is Democratic incumbent Pat Wilson Pheanious taking on Republican challenger Tammy Nuccio. Before Wilson Phanious, the seat was occupied by Republican Sam Belsito and before that it was Democrat Bryan Hurlburt.

(The votes are currently being counted, continue to refresh this article for the latest updates. (To receive free, real-time local and state election updates and results from Patch click here.)

Though Wilson Phanious was first elected to public office two years ago, she was running, at 70, on her four decades of public service, including practicing law and working as a social worker (39 years), graduate school professor (20 years), and an Executive Human Services Manager (25 years).

She has also been far from shy about proclaiming the ever-stressful state budget process has become even more stressful amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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"The biennial budget directs the state's spending for the next two critical years," she said. "We are in an unprecedented, uncertain and highly stressful time. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed hidden weaknesses and inequities in our systems. We will begin the budget season with a large deficit. The decisions made during the next year will determine access to and quality of services available to every person in Connecticut."

Pat Wilson Pheanious. (Nikki Alekson)

Nuccio, 49, is the chairwoman of the Tolland Town Council and a board member of Eastern Highland Health District. In her campaign, she was adamant that what she called "divisiveness" in Hartford must go.

"Our government is working on an either/or mentality right now, and it's making our living environment worse ... Cities vs towns ... Alliance schools vs non-alliance ... police vs community ... public versus private," she said. "Connecticut has many issues, be them COVID, employment, budget, debt, education, transportation, crime, police, community, and many others. There is no shortage of problems, but there is very little compromise for the betterment and consideration of all. I feel as if the small towns are bowled over, left out of the conversations, and some people are okay with that. I am not. It is important that our voice is loud and clear at the table.

"Every decision needs to be made considering the impact on all towns and all residents of Connecticut. To do this I plan to reach out to other people. Regardless of party affiliation, when we're talking about people there is no qualifier. If I can work with other small towns that have similar situations as ours, I can find common ground and allies at the table to start raising our voice for our residents."

Tammy Nuccio. (Luz photography)