By Elizabeth Barhydt
State Senator Ryan Fazio’s campaign for governor reported a brisk fundraising trajectory in its latest finance filing with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and interviews conducted by the newspaper with senior Greenwich officials and party leaders suggest that the early financial strength is reinforced by long-standing professional confidence. At the same time, former state representative Harry S. Arora has formally entered the contest’s early stage by registering an exploratory committee, further defining the Republican field for the 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election.
Fazio’s second quarterly finance report, filed Jan. 12, showed the campaign raised $114,300 in the final reporting period of 2025, bringing its aggregate total to $272,069 in qualifying small-dollar contributions in 141 days. That pace cleared the Citizens’ Election Program’s $250,000 threshold faster than any other non-incumbent statewide campaign in Connecticut history, allowing the campaign to qualify for public financing before the Jan. 13 inflation adjustment increased qualifying thresholds for subsequent applicants.
The filing followed an earlier quarter in which the campaign raised $157,233 in qualifying contributions over 49 days, also setting a record for a non-incumbent statewide bid over a comparable period. The consistency of the fundraising, rather than a single surge, has positioned the campaign as operationally prepared well ahead of the traditional primary calendar.
In interviews with the newspaper, Greenwich officials and party leaders emphasized familiarity with Fazio’s work and temperament as central to their support. Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, who has known Fazio since childhood, described his endorsement as rooted in observation rather than enthusiasm alone. “I have watched him grow up, test his ideas, and prepare himself for public service over many years. That history matters to me,” Camillo said. “In all my time in public life, I can say without hesitation that Ryan has one of the brightest minds and clearest visions I have encountered. He understands policy at a serious level, but he also understands people and the practical consequences of government decisions.”
State Representative Tina Courpas, interviewed separately, said her support reflected Fazio’s standing in Hartford. “Ryan is universally respected in Hartford, by both sides of the aisle,” Courpas said. “He is both a visionary and practical problem-solver and would be a very effective Governor.” Courpas pointed to his ability to work across party lines as a defining attribute in a legislature often shaped by narrow margins.
Michael Hahn, chair of the Greenwich Republican Town Committee, framed his backing in institutional terms during an interview with the newspaper. “Ryan is one of the rare individuals I have come across in politics that has intelligence, conviction and the ability to articulate his vision to a wide demographic,” Hahn said. “He’s exactly the standard bearer the Republican Party needs.” Hahn emphasized communication and persuasion as assets in a statewide contest.
Joe Kelly, a Republican State Central Committee member representing the 36th District, focused on governance and temperament. “He possesses a deep understanding of the challenges facing his constituents and the ability to address these issues effectively,” Kelly said in an interview. “He is exactly what we need to right the State of Connecticut.”
Fazio said the campaign’s fundraising success reflects voter priorities. “Connecticut voters are ready for leadership that will finally cut our sky-high electric rates and taxes, support our law enforcement, defend local control, and create opportunity for every family,” he said. This statement mirrors themes that have surfaced repeatedly in Fazio’s campaigns and his work in Hartford, particularly around energy costs, taxation, and municipal authority.
The evolving race widened this week with formal action by another Greenwich Republican. Harry Arora, who represented the 151st District in the Connecticut House from 2020 to 2023 and was the party’s 2022 nominee for state treasurer, filed paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to form an exploratory committee. Registered as Arora2026, the filing leaves open the possibility of a gubernatorial bid or a campaign for state senate, a flexibility permitted under state election rules.
In announcing the exploratory committee, Arora said he intends to consult Republican voters, party activists, and leaders across Connecticut before determining whether to enter the race formally.
The Connecticut gubernatorial primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026. The general election will follow on Nov. 3, as incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont seeks a third term.
