FAIRFIELD – Five-term state Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, has announced his retirement from public office less than two months after Newtown Board of Finance member Amybeth LaRouche, R-Newtown, announced she is running for his seat.
A long-time Fairfield resident, Hwang, the Senate chief deputy Republican leader, has held the seat since 2014 and prior to that, served in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Hwang was also a member of the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting. He represents the 28th Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Bethel, Easton, Fairfield, and Newtown.
“After many meaningful years of public service, I have decided that the time has come to step away from state elected office and begin the next chapter of my life,” Hwang wrote in a press statement. “Serving the people of the 28th State Senate District has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life.
“Throughout my tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, I approached this responsibility with humility and a deep respect for the institution, its traditions and the people we serve.”
He added that he is “profoundly grateful for the countless friendships and meaningful interactions with constituents, colleagues, community leaders and advocates.”
Hwang had unsuccessfully ran for Fairfield first selectperson in a special election in February against the Democrat incumbent Christine Vitale, who is filling out the term following the death of First Selectman Bill Gerber in 2025.
Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, issued a statement touting Hwang’s work over the past two decades.
“Tony Hwang has lived the American Dream,” Harding said. “Tony loves America and he loves Connecticut. His dedication to the people of his district is second to none, as is his work ethic. He put people before politics. He worked in bipartisan fashion. After nearly 18 years in the state legislature, he is starting a new chapter. His public service has had a positive impact on so many lives, and I know Tony will continue to find ways to serve his community and give back.”
Hwang serves as the ranking member of the Transportation and Insurance and Real Estate committees. He is a member of the Planning and Development Committee and the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee. He is the ranking member of the Bonding Subcommittee of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, and serves as co-chair of the legislature’s bipartisan Bioscience Caucus.
Previously, Hwang served as vice chair of the Aging and Energy and Technology committees and ranking member of the Housing, Higher Education, Public Health, Planning & Development, and Public Safety and Security committees.
Born in Taiwan to parents who fled Communist China, Hwang came to America as a young child and was raised with the values of hard work, education, and opportunity.
His service to Fairfield began in 2005, when a local education issue inspired him to run for the RTM.
In 2014 Tony became the first Asian-Pacific American State Senator in Connecticut history. In that year, he received the Legislative Champion Award from the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs for his commitment to strengthening communities, youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
In his retirement statement, Hwang cited the “emotional and political polarization – and a troubling erosion of civility in public discourse” but that he remains inspired by the generosity, dedication and civic spirit of those across the towns he served.
“Personally, I look forward to spending more time with my loving wife and our adult children, who sacrificed so much to allow me the privilege of serving,” he added. “I will also return to my real estate profession while seeking opportunities to teach and mentor young leaders.”
