By Liz Leamy & Beth Barhydt
Greenwich Republicans celebrated wins on Nov. 5, reclaiming the 149 House District seat and retaining the 36 Senate District seat. The results underscored the community’s engagement in legislative issues centered around fiscal oversight, local governance, and public safety. Candidates across the board expressed gratitude to supporters who fueled their campaigns in closely contested races.
FAZIO HOLDS 36 SENATE SEAT AFTER HIGH PROFILE CONTEST WITH SIMMONS
At the beginning of the evening former State Senator Scott Frantz who served as Ryan Fazio’s Campaign Chiarman, praised Fazio’s achievements, particularly in local zoning control and energy policy. “Ryan Fazio is so good at what he does,” Frantz said. “He’s achieved a whole slew of things on the fiscal stabilization front and local zoning control.” Frantz went on to voice cautious optimism about the results: “Based on what I’ve seen and what my gut tells me, I think Ryan does pull off the win again, even though it might be tight”
Fazio did retain his position in the 36 Senate District, defeating challenger Nick Simmons with 28,779 votes to Simmons’ 26,884. Fazio, who won by just 89 votes in 2022, increased his margin to 1,895 votes this year after Simmons ran the most expensive campaign in the history of the 36 Senate District.
Simmons, in a concession call to Fazio, offered congratulations and released a statement of gratitude to his supporters. “While this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, I am deeply grateful to all of our supporters for their passion and hard work throughout this campaign,” Simmons said. “These races are not about us as candidates, but about you and what we can do to make your lives better.” He also encouraged supporters to remain civically active, adding, “The antidote to anxiety is action.”
Speaking at headquarters on election night, Fazio thanked his team and supporters, acknowledging their role in his re-election. “We all feel like winners, and it’s most of all because of you in this room who have dedicated so much and have been willing to support us through these many months of hard work connecting with this wonderful community,” Fazio stated, emphasizing the value of local support.
“Our campaigns have always been premised on a love of community and a brighter vision for the future of our entire state. That’s what we ran on and that’s what we will continue to work for,” Fazio continued, noting the shared values driving his campaign. He spoke to the commitment required by his role, saying, “Representing my home district is the honor of a lifetime, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel deeply that honor and the responsibility to do the best job I can.” He added, “Campaigns are not won on the trail; they’re won, especially for incumbents, by serving the community earnestly over a long period of time.”
Supporters and volunteers gathered at the Republican headquarters on election night reflected on the campaign’s intensity and engagement. Eighteen-year-old first-time voter Harrison Merkin, who volunteered for Fazio’s campaign, spoke about his experience. “I felt inspired by Fazio’s message and it was great connecting with voters from all walks of life,” Merkin shared. Merkin, who helped with phone banking and canvassing, was one of several young supporters actively participating in the campaign Don McGuire, another supporter at the event, underscored his support for Fazio, calling him “the smarter, better, and more qualified candidate.”
COURPAS UNSEATS KHANNA IN 149 HOUSE DISTRICT
In the 149 House District, Tina Courpas won against incumbent Rachel Khanna, securing 7,124 votes to Khanna’s 6,628. Courpas thanked her supporters, family, and the broader team that contributed to her victory. “I am truly honored and deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to be your State Representative,” Courpas said, acknowledging Khanna’s service to the district. She expressed appreciation for the unity of the Greenwich and Stamford Republican Town Committees, the House Republican Campaign Committee, and the Connecticut GOP for their support and guidance.
Khanna, who had been the first Democrat elected to the 149 seat, also extended her thanks to voters and volunteers in a statement. “It has been an honor to serve the people of Greenwich and Stamford. While my campaign came up short, I want to thank everyone who supported me and congratulate Tina Courpas on her win,” she said.
MESKERS WINS FOURTH TERM IN 150TH HOUSE DISTRICT
In the 150 House District, incumbent Stephen Meskers retained his seat, securing 5,348 votes to challenger Paul Cappiali’s 4,302. Meskers, a veteran in the district, received his fourth term.
Cappiali emphasized fiscal concerns throughout his campaign. “Greenwich voters care deeply about how their tax dollars are spent, and that’s what I focused on,” Cappiali noted in a statement, thanking his team and supporters for their efforts.
ARZENO HOLDS NARROW LEAD OVER LAUDONIA IN 151ST HOUSE DISTRICT
In the 151 House District, incumbent Hector Arzeno narrowly retained his seat, defeating Todd Laudonia by a margin of 5,818 votes to Laudonia’s 5,679. Arzeno expressed his gratitude to the community, stating, “I am honored to continue serving the 151st District and will work tirelessly to represent our community’s interests in Hartford.”
Laudonia, reflecting on the connections made during his campaign, remarked, “I really had a great time. I got to meet generations of people that knew my family knocking doors, and it really is fun out talking to people in town. That’s what I like to do.”
