Connecticut Republican Candidates
Republican nominees on Connecticut's 2026 general election ballot, from Congress to the state legislature. There is no U.S. Senate race in Connecticut in 2026.
Links provided for information. Charter Oak Families First is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Candidate list and biographies are drawn from Ballotpedia as of October 26, 2026. Where a campaign website could not be verified, we link to the candidate's Ballotpedia profile. Please email rozanhopkins@gmail.com with corrections.
★★★
Statewide Constitutional Offices
6 Republican nominees on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Ryan Fazio
Ryan Fazio was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. Fazio graduated from Greenwich High School in 2008. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Northwestern University in 2012.
John Bolton
His campaign describes his priorities as protecting Connecticut families, defending consumers, fighting fraud and corruption, promoting public safety, and upholding the rule of law.
Matthew Corey
Matthew Corey was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He earned a high school diploma from Manchester High School in 1982. Corey served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1987.
Peter Lumaj
Peter Lumaj was born in Albania and lives in Fairfield, Connecticut. Lumaj earned a bachelor's degree in political science from City University of New York and a law degree from Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. His career experience includes owning the Law Offices of Lumaj and working as an attorney.
Fred Wilms
Jennifer Tooker
★★★
U.S. House of Representatives
5 Republican nominees on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Amy Chai
Amy Chai was born in Detroit, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1985, an M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1989, and graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 1992. Her career experience includes working as a doctor, homeschooler, published author, lecturer, ghostwriter, and volunteer worker.
George Austin
George Austin earned a high school diploma from South Windsor High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a contractor.
Christopher Lancia
Michael Goldstein
Michael Goldstein was born in New York, New York. He earned a high school diploma from Francis Lewis High School, a bachelor's degree from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences in 1970, an M.D. from SUNY Downstate Medical School in 1974, and a J.D. from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2006. Goldstein's career experience includes working as a physician and as an attorney.
Chris Shea
Chris Shea served in the U.S. Navy. His career experience includes working as a firefighter and paramedic.
★★★
Connecticut State Senate
29 Republican nominees on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Tim Knotts
Eliott Hughes
Jenn Jennings
Jenn Jennings earned a high school diploma from Stamford High School and a bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2004. Her career experience includes working as an executive director.
Tremell Collins
John Kissel Incumbent
Kissel earned his B.S. from the University of Connecticut School of Education in 1981, his J.D. from Western New England College School of Law in 1984 and his B.A. in Liberal Arts and Science and History from the University of Connecticut in 2002. His professional experience includes working as an attorney for Fallon, Barbieri and Gilcreast, Practicing Consultants, Adjunct Professor at Bay Path College and Corporate Attorney for Northeast Utilities.
Michael Criss
Grant W. Polomsky
Lisa Deane
Owen Weaver
Ruben Rodriguez
Robert C. Sampson Incumbent
Sampson studied marketing at Central Connecticut State University. His professional experience includes working as an insurance producer for Robert C. Sampson from 1992 to 2010 and for Insurance Resource LLC from 2003 to 2010. He also worked as a realtor for Family Homes Real Estate from 2004 to 2007.
John-Paul Dorais
Heather Somers Incumbent
Somers was born in Groton, Conn., where she later served as mayor and five-term town councilor.
Jason Guidone
Jason Guidone graduated from Xavier High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 1998.
Lee Elci
Jason Perillo Incumbent
Jason Perillo earned a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a graduate degree in business administration from Boston College, and a graduate degree in public administration from Harvard University. His career experience includes working in healthcare administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Scott Modlin
Melissa Lindsey
Justin Perry
Justin Perry earned a high school diploma from A. J. Dimond High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2006, a graduate degree from Fordham University in 2012, and a Ph.D. from the Washington University in St. Louis in 2016. His career experience includes working as a scientist.
Alma Sarelli
Alma Sarelli earned a bachelor's degree from Berkeley in 2017. Sarelli's career experience includes working as a business executive.
Amybeth Laroche
Chris Reddy
Stephen Harding, Jr. Incumbent
Stephen Harding was born in New York, New York, and lives in Brookfield, Connecticut. Harding graduated from Brookfield High School in 2005. He earned a B.A. in marketing from Albertus Magnus College in 2009 and a J.D. from New York Law School in 2012.
Henri Martin Incumbent
Henri Martin graduated from St. Anselm College and attended classes at the University of Hartford. Martin's career experience includes owning two small businesses, serving two terms on the Bristol city council, and being appointed as acting mayor in 2013.
Eric Berthel Incumbent
Eric Berthel earned a high school diploma from Pomperaug Regional High School. Berthel earned his B.A. in English from Manhattanville College and his M.S.Ed. in education from the University of Bridgeport. His career experience includes working as an executive.
Charles Ferraro
Charles Ferraro earned a B.S. in biology from Southern Connecticut University in 1974. Ferraro’s career experience includes working as the owner, CEO and Grandmaster of West Haven Academy of Karate, Inc. He co-founded the Worldwide Tang Soo Do Family, which describes itself as “promoting world peace and improved human relations through the practice and sharing of martial arts.”
Paul Cicarella, Jr. Incumbent
Paul Cicarella Jr. lives in North Haven, Connecticut. His career experience includes working as a corrections officer with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, founding a private investigations agency, and owning National Bug Sweep and Advanced Installations. Cicarella has volunteered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Jeff Gordon Incumbent
Jeff Gordon's career experience includes working as a physician. Gordon volunteered as president of the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS), as chair of the CSMS Council, as speaker of the CSMS House of Delegates, as founding chair of the CTHealthLink electronic medical record information exchange, as a member of the CT Medical Examining Board, and as a member of the American Medical Association’s Council on Legislation. He also volunteered as president of the Woodstock Education Foundation, treasurer of the Woodstock Agricultural Society, and vice president of the Woodstock Safety Patrol.
Joe Kelly
★★★
Connecticut House of Representatives
115 Republican nominees on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Deborah Rizzo
Nicole Roscoe
William Gifford
Chris Tierinni
Salema Davis
Bianca Stanescu
Tom Delnicki Incumbent
Tom Delnicki was born in South Windsor, Connecticut where he lives as of September 2019. He graduated from South Windsor High in 1974. Delnicki earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut.
Andrew Ziemba
Andrew Ziemba earned a high school diploma from Canton High School. His career experience includes working as a sales consultant.
Philip Tummescheit
Gary Palumbo
Richard Mette
Barbara Labriola
Tina Santana
Jamie Vaughan
Jamie Vaughan has served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a high school diploma from E.C. Goodwin Technical School. His professional experience includes working as a graphic designer.
Sal Simsek
William Davidson
Donna Veach Incumbent
Donna Veach lives in Berlin, Connecticut. Veach earned an A.S. in merchandising/marketing from Post University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from American Intercontinental University. Her career experience includes working as the development and marketing director of Hungerford Nature Center and New Britain Youth Museum, as a notary, and owning Copperpott Farms.
Jill Barry Incumbent
As of September 2019, Jill Barry lives in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Barry was recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools with two awards for her volunteerism in 2014 and 2017.
Christie Carpino Incumbent
Carpino earned her B.A. from the University of New Hampshire and J.D. from Northeastern University. She works for Connecticut Legal Services as a pro bono attorney.
Melissa Ziobron
Ziobron graduated from Nathan Hale-Ray High School in 1989. She went on to graduate with a degree in Zoology from Central Connecticut State University.
Chris Aniskovich Incumbent
Chris Aniskovich was born in Branford, Connecticut, and lives in Clinton, Connecticut. Aniskovich graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1983. He earned a B.S. in business administration from Merrimack College in 1987.
Guy Tuccero
Anne Santoro
John Foley
John Russell
Isabelle Roode
Thaler Hefel
Greg Howard Incumbent
Greg Howard was born in Westerly, Rhode Island. Howard's career experience includes working as a police officer and detective with the city of Stonington.
Anne Dauphinais Incumbent
As of October 2019, Anne Dauphinais lives in Killingly, Connecticut. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University. Dauphinais’s career experience includes working as a sales consultant for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and an in-home private nurse and a pre-release case manager for the Department of Corrections.
Brian Lanoue Incumbent
As of October 2019, Brian Lanoue lives in Griswold, Connecticut. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in public policy from Southern Connecticut State University.
Marcia Wilbur
Doug Dubitsky Incumbent
As of October 2019, Doug Dubitsky lives in North Windham, Connecticut. Dubitsky earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts and film from the State University of New York at Purchase. His career experience includes working as a designer and technician on television shows, theater productions, and trade shows.
Mark DeCaprio Incumbent
Mark DeCaprio lives in Lebanon, Connecticut. DeCaprio served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He earned a B.S. in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University and an M.P.H. from the University of Connecticut.
Brian Saucier
Anthony Emilio
Chris Stewart Incumbent
Chris Stewart was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts. His career experience includes working in the human service sector.
Kurt Vail Incumbent
As of September 2019, Kurt Vail lives in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Vail’s career experience includes working as a insurance agent with Paradiso Insurance. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Rep.
Tammy Nuccio Incumbent
Tammy Nuccio lives in Tolland, Connecticut. Nuccio earned a B.B.A. in business management and an M.B.A. from Bay Path University. Her career experience includes working as a financial analyst with Cigna.
Steve Weir Incumbent
Steve Weir was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and lives in Hebron, Connecticut. Weir graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1992. His career experience includes working as a business development manager with BluSky Restoration Contractors and the CEO of American Integrity Restoration, LLC DKI. Weir has served as the president of the UConn Club Board of the University of Connecticut, the chair of the Governor Relations Committee of the Connecticut Apartment Association, and the chair of the board of directors of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Andy Tedford
Marie Pyznar
Carol Hall Incumbent
Representative Hall attended Eastern Connecticut State College where she majored in social work. After graduation she became a realtor for Century 21 AllPoints Realty. In 1985 Hall married her husband Fred, and they went on to have three children.
Chantelle Ankerman
Tami Zawistowski Incumbent
Representative Zawistowski started Resource Books, LLC, a small business, in 1996. Additionally, she has worked as the Assistant Director of the UConn School of Business Center for Real Estate and Econ. Studies and as the Executive Vice President of Northeast Savings, F.A., Hartford.
Mark Anderson Incumbent
Mark Anderson was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Anderson's career experience includes working as a strategic intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Jay Case Incumbent
Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Representative Case was a small business owner in northwest Connecticut. He has also worked as a commercial energy consultant and has prior experience in the construction industry.
Katelynn Borraiz
Joe Canino Incumbent
Joe Canino was born in Torrington, Connecticut. He earned a bachelor's degree from George Washington University. His career experience includes working as a press secretary for Connecticut Senate Republicans and as a legislative associate.
Karen Reddington-Hughes Incumbent
Karen Reddington-Hughes lives in Woodbury, Connecticut. Reddington-Hughes graduated from Ridgefield High School (Connecticut) in 1981. She earned a B.S. in psychology from Chestnut Hill College in 1985.
William Buckbee Incumbent
Representative Buckbee graduated from New Milford High School in 1989. He attended Western CT State University where he studied Business and Risk Management. Most recently, Buckbee has worked as the Executive Director of New Milford's Harrybrooke Park.
Joe Polletta Incumbent
Joe Polletta attended Fairfield University where he earned a political science degree. His post-graduation endeavors include owning a local small business, serving on the Watertown Town Council, coaching a local baseball team, and joining both Crimestoppers and Cercemaggiore Community Club.
Jason Buchsbaum Incumbent
Jason Buchsbaum earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in economics from George Washington University and a law degree from the University of Connecticut in 2005. His career experience includes serving as a partner at Cohen and Wolf, P.C. He previously served on the Southbury Board of Selectmen, as vice chairman of the Southbury Charter Revision Commission (2013-2014), and as a member of the Seymour Board of Education (2007-2009).
Seth Bronko Incumbent
Seth Bronko was born and lives in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Bronko earned a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Connecticut in 2011. His career experience includes co-owning Bronko Construction and working as the president and CEO of SB Development LLC and a real estate agent with Remax Rise.
William Pizzuto Incumbent
William Pizzuto lives in Middlebury, Connecticut. Pizzuto's career experience includes working as the campus director of the University of Connecticut at Waterbury.
Terence Lott Sr.
Ollie Gray III
Faithalee Goclowski
John Piscopo Incumbent
Piscopo was a legislative intern to State Senator Richard C. Bozzuto in 1976. He is a member of the Environment and Energy Committee, American Legislative Exchange Council, and volunteer with Thomaston Opera House, and the Thomaston Recycling Program.
Cara Pavalock-D'Amato Incumbent
Joe Hoxha Incumbent
Joe Hoxha was born in Albania. Hoxha earned a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from the University of Connecticut. His career experience includes working with a local community bank.
Cheryl Thibeault
Gale Mastrofrancesco Incumbent
Representative Mastrofrancesco has worked as a sales manager for ATT Advertising and as director of community relations for Benchmark Senior Living at The Village at Kensington Place in Meriden. In 2009 she was elected to the Wolcott Town Council and has held the role of vice-chairwoman for over seven years. She has also served as chair of the Town Negotiations Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee.
Timothy Wilk
Bob Ham
Tom Laffin
Vincent Candelora Incumbent
Candelora's professional experience includes working as an employee at Taconic Wire, Owner/Manager of the Connecticut Sportsplex, Attorney with Susman, Duffy and Segaloff, and a law clerk with Antoinette L. Dupont.
Dave Yaccarino Sr. Incumbent
Yaccarino earned his A.A. in liberal sciences from Gateway Community College. His professional experience includes working as a U.S. history teacher and owner of DJ's Sports Collectible and Comics. He served in the United States Navy Reserve.
Hudson Molinari
Lezlye Zupkus Incumbent
Lezlye Zupkus graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Her professional experience includes working as director of development and volunteer services for Special Olympics Connecticut and as state director of Best Buddies Connecticut. She has served on the Board of Directors of Holy Cross High School, the Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission, and on the Prospect Republican Town Committee.
Craig Fishbein Incumbent
Craig Fishbein attended Wallingford schools and graduated from Mark T. Sheehan High School in 1983. He attended Quinnipiac University full-time and graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing. He then enrolled in the Quinnipiac University School of Law.
Anthony Acri
Anthony Acri earned a bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac University in 1978 and a graduate degree from Stanford University in 1985. His career experience includes working in business management.
Carlyle Ciccone
Joseph Zullo Incumbent
Joseph Zullo graduated from Providence College in 2007 with a degree in political science. He went on to study law at Quinnipiac University and graduated in 2011. After graduation, Zullo was appointed to be East Haven's Town Attorney, a position he has held for over seven years.
Susan Manke
Mary Ann Connelly
Mary Ann Connelly graduated from West Hempstead High School. She earned an associate degree from Nassau Community College in 1969. Her career experience includes working as a registered nurse.
Paul Crisci
Paul Crisci's career experience includes working as a business consultant.
Jeff Weiss
Daniel Sexton
Nicole Klarides-Ditria Incumbent
Nicole Klarides-Ditria was born in Seymour, Connecticut. She earned a bachelor's degree in business/management/marketing from Quinnipiac University in 1990. Klarides-Ditria’s career experience includes working as an athletic trainer for Lauralton Hall High School in Milford, Connecticut.
Mitch Bolinsky Incumbent
Bolinsky was born on September 17, 1958, in Queens, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater in 1980. Bolinsky’s career experience includes working as Principal of M-Vision Insights, a marketing and regulatory affairs consultancy.
Marty Foncello Incumbent
Marty Foncello lives in Brookfield, Connecticut. Foncello served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the U.S. Army National Guard for 28 years and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. He earned a B.S. in chemistry and M.B.A. from Boston College.
Pat Callahan Incumbent
Pat Callahan lives in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Callahan's career experience includes working in the criminal justice field.
Ed Vachovetz
Anthony Rongetti
Blake Consentino
Tony Scott Incumbent
Joe Lauretti
Brooke Hopkins
Victor Borras
Raymond Collins III
Steve Visconti
Kathy Kennedy Incumbent
As of September 2019, Kathy Kennedy represents the 119th General Assembly District covering Orange and Milford. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2018. In 2015 Kathy was elected president of the Connecticut PTA where she served until 2017.
Troy Gargiulo
Rafael Irizarry
Rafael Irizarry was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Irizarry earned a bachelor's degree from The World University in 1983. His career experience includes working as a political consultant.
Ben McGorty Incumbent
Ben McGorty was born in Greenwich, Connecticut. McGorty earned an associate degree in management from Housatonic Community College in 2004. His career history includes working as a realtor with Coldwell Banker and William Raveis.
David Rutigliano Incumbent
David Rutigliano holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in restaurant, culinary, and catering from Johnson and Whales University. Rutigliano’s career experience includes owning and operating small businesses for over 18 years. He is a former member of both the Trumbull Board of Finance as well as the Trumbull Economic Development Commission.
Tom O'Dea Incumbent
Arnold Jensen Incumbent
Arnold Jensen earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Stony Brook University. He earned a certificate in computer programming from NYU. His career experience includes working as an engineer for Unilever. As of his 2024 campaign, Jensen was an Oxford Selectman.
Emily Hau
Lisa Miro
Ken Astarita
Darrell Harris
Douglas Ouellette
Tricia Ciccone
Irving Fox
Brandon Sabbag
Enrique Santiago
Tracy Marra Incumbent
Tracy Marra was born in Lexington, Kentucky. Marra graduated from Lafayette High School in 1993. She earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Butler University in 1999.
Donald Mastronardi
Donald Mastronardi was born in Cortland, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 1998. His career experience includes working as a businessman.
Greg Helms
Layne Rodney
Ensly Maizo
Tina Courpas Incumbent
Tina Courpas was born in Maryland. She earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University in 1988 and a law degree from Columbia Law School in 1994. Her career experience includes working as an attorney.