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STEPHANIE THOMAS IN THE NEWS
Democrat Stephanie Thomas Wins Secretary of the State Primary
Democrat Stephanie Thomas easily claimed her party’s nomination in the open race for secretary of the state. With more than 97% of precincts in the state reporting, Thomas’ lead holds steady at 75%.
Thomas, Rapini square off in secretary of the state debate
Westport Journal
October 19, 2022
Rapini's Candidacy and Election Denying is Dangerous for Democracy
New York Times
September 26, 2022
Secretary of the State Debate Cancelled Last Minute Because Dominic Rapini Unable to Attend
CT Insider
September 15, 2022
State Sen. Will Haskell (opinion): Why CT needs an election misinformation officer
Connecticut Post
September 14, 2022
Letter: Support for Secretary of the State Candidate Stephanie Thomas
We-Ha.com
August 4, 2022
Letter: Stephanie Thomas is the Clear Choice for Secretary of the State
We-Ha.com
August 4, 2022
A look at the Democratic, Republican candidate on the primary ballot for Secretary of the State
News 8
August 2, 2022
With Democracy in Crisis, Stephanie Thomas's Opponent Misleads Voters
Bond’s negative ad never mentions an agenda to protect voters, voting rights or our democracy
(Hartford, CT) July 30, 2022 – At a time when Connecticut and the nation are facing the greatest threat to our democracy, New Haven’s Maritza Bond lobs attacks and distortions against her opponent instead of laying out a plan on how she will protect voters and their rights.
In a 30-second television ad unveiled this week, Bond attacks endorsed Democrat Stephanie Thomas and ends with a highly misleading graphic that suggests she, not Thomas, was endorsed by the Connecticut Democrats.
“Our democracy and rights are under assault, facing the greatest threat in any of our lifetimes and needing leaders to work together to protect it. While Stephanie Thomas is out talking to voters every day about her plans to protect voting rights, increase civic engagement and improve the state’s business records, her opponent's only plan is to mislead voters and spread mistruths,” Kay Anderson, Campaign Coordinator for Stephanie Thomas for Secretary of the State, said. “We’ve spent the last four years enduring the negativity and personal attacks by Republicans and it’s shameful that Maritza Bond would go so low as to join them. This is what happens when a candidate is desperate and does not know how to lead."
Stephanie Thomas has been endorsed by the Connecticut Democrats, former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and 125 legislators, local officials and party activists who say she is the right person for the job.
128 Democrats for Stephanie Thomas for Secretary of the State
Former Constitutional Officers, Lawmakers, Municipal and Democratic Leaders Endorse Thomas for SOTS
(Hartford, CT) July 28, 2022 – Stephanie Thomas, endorsed Democrat for Secretary of the State, today announced the endorsement of 128 state, legislative, municipal and Democratic leaders and town committees, who say she is the best candidate to fight for our democracy.
The endorsements include leaders from every level of government, including former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, members of the state House of Representatives, state Senators, mayors, local council members, selectmen and town clerks, and local Democratic party activists. Thomas has also been endorsed by two nationally-recognized political action committees that support Black women candidates.
Merrill, who endorsed Thomas in June, said the Norwalk Democrat is the woman for the job. "Stephanie has a clear, deep understanding of the issues and will defend our elections and voters every day, in Connecticut and at the national level. This job is not for the faint of heart, and I am confident that Stephanie will be ready on day one."
Thomas said she is honored and humbled by the outpouring of support for her candidacy.
“As Secretary of the State, my job would be ensuring voter rights are protected and that our elections are properly and fairly conducted – maybe one of the most important jobs in our democracy today,” Thomas said. ‘I am honored to have earned the support of Democrats from across the state who know firsthand the challenges the next Secretary of the State will face, and believe I can do the job.”
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
Comptroller Natalie Braswell
Denise Merrill, former Secretary of the State
Joe Suggs, former State Treasurer
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Majority Leader Jason Rojas (9)
Rep Raghib Allie-Brennan (2)
Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo (111)
Rep. Jeff Currey (11)
Rep. Mike D’Agostino (91)
Rep. Lucy Dathan (142)
Rep Hubert Delany (144)
Rep. Mike Demicco (21)
Rep. Josh Elliott (88)
Rep. Tammy Exum (19)
Rep. Kate Farrar (20)
Rep. Jaime Foster (57)
Rep. Dan Fox (148)
Rep. Jane Garibay (60)
Rep. Bobby Gibson (15)
Rep. Jillian Gilchrest (18)
Rep. Anne Hughes (135)
Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (17)
Rep. Jennifer Leeper (132)
Rep Cristin McCarthy Vahey (133)
Rep. Amy Morrin Bello (28)
Rep. Mary Mushinsky (85)
Rep. Anthony Nolan (39)
Rep. Corey Paris (145)
Rep. John Michael Parker (101)
Rep. Chris Perone (137)
Rep. Robyn Porter (94)
Rep. Michael D. Quinn (82)
Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (136)
Rep. Travis Simms (140)
Rep. Brian Smith (48)
Rep. Gary Turco (27)
Rep. Mary Welander (114)
Rep. Kerry Wood (29)
SENATE
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (25)
Sen. Saud Anwar (3)
Sen. Jorge Cabrera (17)
Sen. Christine Cohen (12)
Sen. Mae Flexer (29)
Sen. Will Haskell (26)
Sen. Pat Billie Miller (27)
Sen. Marilyn Moore (22)
Sen. Derek Slap (5)
MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
Bloomfield Mayor Danielle Wong
Bloomfield Kenneth McClary, Town Council
Bridgeport City Council President Aidee Nieves
Derby Marc Garofalo, Town Clerk
East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh
Ellington Lois Timms-Ferrara, Registrar of Voters
East Lyme Jason Deeble, Planning Commission
Guilford Matt Hoey, First Selectman
Guilford Veronica Wallace, Board of Finance, State Central Committee
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett
Hamden Karimah Mickens-Webber, Town Clerk
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin
Hartford City Council President Maly Rosado
Hebron Tiffany Thiele, Selectwoman
Milford Cindy Wolfe Boynton, Board of Education
New London Mayor Mike Passero
New London Martha Marx, City Council
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling
Norwalk Josh Goldstein, Common Council
Norwalk Dominique Johnson, Common Council
Norwalk Donna King, former City Clerk
Norwalk Alex Knopp, former mayor, former state representative and chair of GAE
Plainville Rebecca Martinez, Board of Education
Stamford Lyda Ruijter, City & Town Clerk
West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor
West Hartford Carol Anderson Blanks, Town Council
West Hartford Adrienne Billings-Smith, Town Council, State Party Vice-Chair
West Hartford Leon Davidoff, Town Council
West Hartford, Ben Wenograd, Town Council
West Hartford, Liam Sweeney, Town Council
West Hartford Essie Labrot, Town Clerk
Westport Candice Savin, Selectwoman
Westport Sal Liccione, RTM
Wilton Peggy Reeves, former Registrar of Voters, State Rep. & state Election Director
Windsor Mayor Don Trinks
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS
Avon Eliza Massaro, DTC Chair
Brooklyn Ailla Wasstrom-Evans, 2020 Emerge Classmate
Colchester Megan Kehoegreen, State Central Committee
Darien Theresa Voight, DTC Chair
Enfield Ian Graves, DTC member
Fairfield Steve Sheinberg, DTC Chair
Goshen Audrey Blondin, Secretary, State Central Committee
Greenwich Joe Angland, DTC Chair
Hamden Sean Grace, DTC Chair
Hartford Arunan Arulampalam, DTC member, former state Treasurer candidate
Hebron Town Committee
Killingworth Annie Stirna, DTC Chair
Madison Joan Walker, DTC Chair
Milford Nija Phelps, DTC Vice Chair
Monroe Patricia Paniccia, DTC Chair
New Canaan Shiva Sarram, Activist
New Canaan Christina Fagerstal, DTC Chair
New Haven Lisa Bassani, Ward 18 DTC Co-Chair
New Haven Janice Underwood, Ward 25 DTC Co-Chair
New Milford Hilary Ram, DTC Chair, New Milford
Norwalk Eloisa Melendez, DTC Chair
Norwalk JJ Byron, DTC Vice Chair
Norwalk Tina Duryea, political activist
Old Lyme Mary Jo Nosal, DTC Chair
Oxford Niki Dykstra, DTC Chair
Redding Diana Carlino, DTC Chair
Rocky Hill Tejal Vallam, DTC Chair
Ridgefield Carina Drake, DTC Chair
Sharon Jill Drew, DTC Chair
Simsbury Town Committee
Southbury Michael Carrington, DTC member
Stamford Robin Druckman, Democratic City Committee Chair
Trumbull Tom Kelly, DTC Chair
Wallingford Alida Cella, DTC Chair
Watertown Jeff Desmarais, DTC Chair
West Hartford John Bailey, DTC Chair
West Hartford Tiffani McGinnis, DTC Vice Chair
West Hartford Marsha Adell, Chair, District 6
West Hartford Rosemarie Tate, State Central Committee
Westport Town Committee
Westport Mark Friedman, DTC Chair
Westport Melissa Katz Kane, former Selectwoman, State Central Committee
Weston Gayle Weinstein, DTC Chair
Wilton Town Committee
Wilton John Kalamarides, 2020 Presidential Elector
Winchester Bill Hudock, DTC Chair
Winchester Nick Teeling, State Central Committee
Aug 9 Primary Election Information: Who Is on the Ballot, Voting by Absentee Ballot
Greenwich Free Press
July 26, 2022
Stephanie Thomas (opinion): This democracy belongs to all of us, and I am ready to fight to protect
CT Post
July 22, 2022
Connecticut's primary election is in August. Voting could begin this week. What to know.
Norwich Bulletin
July 18, 2022
Top Hamden Pols Endorse Stephanie Thomas For Secretary Of The State
New Haven Independent
July 14, 2022
Hamden Mayor, Senator Cabrera & Rep. Elliott Endorse Stephanie Thomas
BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 12 — Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, state Sen. Jorge Cabrera (17th District), and Rep. Josh Elliott (88th District), today announced their endorsement of Stephanie Thomas, for Secretary of the State, calling her the leader Connecticut needs.
The Hamden leaders will join Thomas for tour of local business leaders at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, starting at We Are The Village, a nonprofit that serves at-risk youths.
The elected officials said Thomas’ experience as a strategy and fundraising consultant to nonprofits and service in the state House of Representatives will serve her well in overseeing Connecticut’s elections and managing the state’s registry of all businesses.
“As a small business owner like me, Stephanie understands the Secretary of the State’s office can do a great deal to help the thousands of small businesses struggling to make a go of it in our state,” Garrett said. "At a time of great partisanship, Stephanie is a collaborator, a great listener, and someone willing to study and consider all sides of an issue.
"We need a Secretary of State who will fight to safeguard our elections during a time of unprecedented attacks on our democracy. Stephanie has what it takes to make sure our elections remain free from outside interference. That's why I'm supporting her for Secretary of State,” Cabrera said.
Elliott said, “The movement to restrict voting rights is not only playing out nationwide, it’s being attempted right here in Connecticut. I’m proud to endorse Stephanie for Secretary of the State because she believes as I do that voting is a fundamental right that must be fairly and equitably accessible to all. As Secretary of the State, she will protect our voting rights and expand accessibility to the ballot.”
“We are facing profound challenges to our electoral system and our very democracy here in Connecticut and across the country, something elected officials see firsthand every day. It is more important than ever that the next Secretary of the State be ready on day one, and I am honored to have the support of my colleagues in this campaign,” Thomas said.
Reports shed detail on financing of Connecticut's secretary of the state race.
CT Post
July 12, 2022
ELECTION 2022: Denise Merrill Endorses Stephanie Thomas for Secretary of State
Good Morning Wilton
July 8, 2022
LETTER: When Town said ‘No, Not Now,’ State Rep. Stephanie Thomas said, ‘Yes!’
Good Morning Wilton
July 7, 2022
Protestors rally against the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Bristol Press
June 30, 2022
What’s next for the Secretary of the State’s office as Denise Merrill steps down?
CT Insider
June 29, 2022
Statement on Resignation Announcement of Secretary of the State Denise Merrill
"I am sad to learn Secretary of the State Denise Merrill will leave office on Thursday to care for her husband, who is facing serious health problems. I am grateful for Denise’s many years of dedication to civic education, voter registration and participation, election security and streamlined systems for businesses in Connecticut. Denise’s leadership through some of the most difficult and contentious election cycles has made Connecticut a national leader in fair elections. She has led the way to protect and expand voter rights as well as civic education. I am so honored to have Secretary Merrill’s support and send my most heartfelt wishes to her and her family," said Stephanie Thomas.
June 28, 2022
Sec. of State Candidate Stephanie Thomas Qualifies for CEP Grant
Good Morning Wilton
June 24, 2022
Statement on SCOTUS overturning Roe V. Wade
"I am devastated by the Supreme Court's decision today to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that has protected the right the choose for the last 50 years.
As your next Secretary of the State, I will fight for the protection of reproductive rights and to keep Connecticut a safe haven for patients and doctors across the nation," said Stephanie Thomas.
June 24, 2022
Connecticut Democrats Make Pitch For Early Presidential Primary
CT News Junkie
June 24, 2022
Is CT the next Iowa? Democratic officials pitching for state to vote early in 2024
CT Insider
June 22, 2022
Secretary of the State Candidate Stephanie Thomas Submits CEP Grant Application
WETHERSFIELD, Conn., June 22 — Today, Democrat Stephanie Thomas, the Party’s endorsed candidate for Secretary of the State, will file the requisite paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to receive a $484,125 grant from the Citizens Election Program (CEP). Thomas raised the necessary funds to qualify for the grant from more than 1000 individual contributions from over 115 towns across Connecticut, the campaign announced today.
“I am enormously gratified and humbled by the support from such a diverse group of individuals, and I thank each and every one of them for their commitment to me and our Democratic principles,” Thomas said. “We are energized for the race ahead; we are grounded in the support of the people of Connecticut; and, I am confident in our ability to win the primary election on August 9th.”
This significant campaign milestone continues to build strong momentum for Thomas's candidacy, which received a major endorsement on Monday from incumbent Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, who called Thomas "the woman for the job."
Thomas was elected to the state legislature in 2020. As Vice Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, she has been a strong advocate for greater voter access through early voting and absentee ballots. During her campaign, she has also emphasized the need for greater voter education, including the implementation of a statewide civic education campaign to engage and empower communities who feel marginalized, ensuring their voices are heard at the ballot box.
For more information, visit votestephaniethomas.com.
# # #
Stephanie Thomas Receives Endorsement from Secretary of the State Denise Merrill
HARTFORD, Conn., June 20 — Today, Democrat Stephanie Thomas, the Party’s endorsed candidate for
(Hartford, CT) – Denise Merrill, who has served three terms as Secretary of the State, this week endorsed Stephanie Thomas, calling the Norwalk Democrat “a tenacious and fierce advocate for issues we all care about.”
"Connecticut voters want a Secretary of the State who will fight every day to protect their right to cast a ballot and make their voice heard - Stephanie Thomas is the woman for the job," said Merrill. "Stephanie has a clear, deep understanding of the issues and will defend our elections and voters every day, in Connecticut and at the national level. This job is not for the faint of heart, and I am confident that Stephanie will be ready on day one."
Merrill said she has worked extensively with Thomas, who serves as Vice Chair of the General Assembly’s Government, Administration and Elections Committee, and is confident that Thomas has the experience and the vision to lead the Secretary of the State’s office.
“Denise Merrill’s leadership through some of the most difficult and contentious election cycles has made Connecticut a national leader in fair elections. We are facing profound challenges to the election laws here and across the country, and Denise has led the way to protect and expand voter rights. I am so honored to have Secretary Merrill’s support,” Thomas said.
Merrill was elected Secretary of the State in 2010, and re-elected in 2014 and 2018. Before that, she served eight terms in the State House of Representatives.
Thomas, a strategy and fundraising consultant for nonprofits, is serving her first term in the State House of Representatives. Her candidacy for Secretary of the State was endorsed in May at the Democratic State Convention.
# # #
State Rep. Stephanie Thomas runs for Secretary of the State with plans to engage voters
Yale Daily News
April 13, 2022
State Rep. Stephanie Thomas runs for Secretary of the State with plans to engage voters
Yale Daily News
May 1, 2022
Danbury Democrats (episode #074): Meet Stephanie Thomas
Community Media Studios
March 17, 2022
Community Conversations: Meet Stephanie Thomas
WPAA-TV and Community Media Center
March 8, 2022
Marketing for Much Better Results
Small Business Report with Joe Connolly
WCBS Radio
February 21, 2022
Sec’y Of State Hopeful Aims To Rebuild Trust In Democracy
New Haven Independent
January 20, 2022
House Redistricting Creates Wilton-Centered Voting District, Separating it from Norwalk
Good Morning Wilton
November 19, 2021
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Lamont, state leaders speak to Wilton's Democratic candidates at fundraiser barbecue
The Register Citizen
September 13, 2021
State Bond Commission approves $1.2M for Carver Center makeover in Norwalk
CTPost
July 23, 2021
Connecticut Looks To Pass 'Crown Act' To Prevent Discrimination Based On Hairstyles
NPR
February 9, 2021
'One-size-fits-all' approach not effective at state level, House candidate says
Wilton Bulletin
October 7, 2020
Norwalk State Rep Candidates Adjust to Campaigning in COVID-19 World
Nancy on Norwalk
August 3, 2020
Coronavirus Crisis: Readers Share Stories of Everyday Heroes
CT Insider/New Haven Register
April 5, 2020
Democratic Viewpoint: Support the Democratic ticket
The Wilton Bulletin, by Tom Dubin, Chair, Wilton Democratic Town Committee,
November 3, 2018
On the Campaign Trail: Thomas and Lavielle
The Wilton Bulletin, November 2, 2018
Election 2018 Op-Ed
The Wilton Bulletin, by Stephanie Thomas, November 1, 2018
Thomas: A voice for the 'exhausted majority'
The Hour, by Pat Tomlinson, October 31, 2018
The Case for Early Voting
The Wilton Bulletin, Op-Ed by Stephanie Thomas, October 30, 2018
Democratic Women of Westport endorses Stephanie Thomas
October 29, 2018
Race for the 143rd district: Stephanie Thomas
The Wilton Bulletin, by Kendra Baker, October 26, 2018
Thomas is the best candidate for the 143rd
Nancy on Norwalk, by Beth Siegelbaum, October 27, 2018
Norwalk election notes: Thomas/Lavielle
Nancy on Norwalk, October 24, 2018
Stephanie Thomas Endorsed by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Wilton's Hamlethub, October 23, 2018
Wilton Selectwoman Deborah McFadden endorses Stephanie Thomas
October 22, 2018
"A vote for Stephanie Thomas is a vote for someone who will listen to your concerns, examine the facts, and offer solutions to get things done. A new voice with a different background, Stephanie is what Connecticut needs for the times in which we find ourselves and the positive future we know is ahead."
Moms Demand Action Endorse Stephanie Thomas for State Rep
The Wilton Patch, October 23, 2018
House candidates address issues
The Wilton Bulletin, October 17, 2018
Lavielle, Thomas, explain views to Wilton crowd
Nancy on Norwalk, October 17, 2018
Wilton League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
Good Morning Wilton, October 17, 2018
Stephanie Thomas: Increase revenues, find efficiencies
The Wilton Bulletin, October 15, 2018
Stephanie Thomas, Answers to The Alliance Candidate Questionnaire
The Alliance, The Voice of Community Nonprofits, 2018 Candidate Questionnaire
Norwalk woman to challenge Lavielle for 143rd House District
The Hour, by Pat Tomlinson, GMW, June 29, 2018
Newcomer Stephanie Thomas Challenges Gail Lavielle for State House Seat
Good Morning Wilton, by Heather Borden Herve, GMW Editor, June 25, 2018
Thomas vs. Lavielle is official for the 143rd District
The Hour, by Pat Tomlinson, July 5, 2018
Paid for by Stephanie Thomas for CT. Alan Shinbaum, Treasurer. Approved by Stephanie Thomas.
It has been an honor to serve Connecticut.
I would love to do it again!