Exclusive poll shows Lamont’s approval above 50% as Republican challenger Fazio attacks his budget record

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - An exclusive poll conducted with Sacred Heart University and CT Insider shows Gov. Ned Lamont’s approval rating above 50 percent, outpacing the 37 percent approval rating for lawmakers in the General Assembly. But voters also say they want a change.

Lamont, who is seeking a third term, said his administration has delivered eight balanced budgets, historic tax cuts and increased payments toward pension debt.

“I get the chance to meet hundreds of people every day now,” Lamont said.

On the pension front, Lamont said the state has made significant progress.

“We have gone from 35 percent funded for our pensions to 70 percent. That never happened with any of our predecessors. That gave me a little more flexibility to put money into an early childhood endowment to provide free pre-K for most of our kids,” Lamont said.

Republican state Rep. Ryan Fazio, who plans to run against Lamont in the general election, said the governor has not kept his word on the state budget.

“In 2025, he famously said the spending cap is sacrosanct. Well, this is exactly why we need to judge politicians by their actions rather than their words,” Fazio said.

Fazio accused Lamont of abandoning budget guardrails. Lamont acknowledged diverting some funds but said most of the money has gone toward reducing pension debt.

The poll also found voters want change heading into the general election matchup between Lamont and Fazio.