GREENWICH – Republican Sen. Ryan Faziok became the latest person to announce his candidacy for governor with a possible challenge of Democratic incumbent Ned Lamont, who has not officially entered the race.
Using a video called “A Brighter Future” and press release, Fazio launched his gubernatorial campaign. will transition from an exploratory committee to a candidate committee.
“Under years of one-party Democrat rule in Hartford, Connecticut has become simply unaffordable,” Fazio said in the video. “I believe our state deserves better than the 3rd-highest taxes and electricity bills in the country and jobs and opportunity leaving our state. I’m running for governor because this state is my home and I believe the best days can be ahead of us with a positive change in Hartford.
“As governor, I will reduce taxes by $1,500 per family, eliminate the public benefits charge from our electric bills, support law enforcement, and create opportunity for all.”
The Fazio for Governor campaign will participate in the Citizens Election Program (CEP.)
Other candidates who are either filed exploratory committees or have officially filed to run include fellow Republicans Erin Stewart, New Britain mayor; Jennifer Tooker, Westport first selectwoman; and Democrat state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden.
On Thursday, the Fazio for Governor campaign announced the endorsement of State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott).
“Ryan Fazio is exactly what Connecticut needs: a principled conservative, honest, sincere, and focused on fixing what’s broken with real solutions, not political games, said Sampson. “I am honored to offer my support and endorsement.”
Sampson, a leader in the conservative movement, represented the 80th State House district from 2011 to 2018. Now in his fourth term, Sampson serves as senior deputy leader of the Senate Republican Caucus.
As the ranking senator on the state’s Energy Committee, Fazio co-authored a law in 2023 to shed light on the hidden taxes that have long caused Connecticut’s electricity rates to be among the highest in the country. In 2025, he co-authored another law, SB4, to reduce “Public Benefits” charges. Lamont and other Democrats helped approve the measure cut charges by $1 billion and compromised on savings of $100 million, which Fazio wanted.
As ranking senator on the state’s Finance Committee, Ryan has been a leading advocate for taxpayers, tax cuts, and limiting the state’s excessive spending and debt burdens. He was a vocal defender of the state’s “fiscal guardrails,” passed on a bipartisan basis in 2017 to limit spending, debt, and pay down pension liabilities.
He also served on Greenwich’s Representative Town Meeting and the town’s Energy Efficiency Committee, where he focused on reducing costs to taxpayers.
The Republican state senator has been elected three times in a state Senate district that most Democratic candidates win by 10% to 20%.
