Lamont wins third term as Democrats expand majority in Connecticut legislature

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Gov. Ned Lamont will serve a third term as Connecticut’s governor after defeating Republican challenger Ryan Fazio.

The Associated Press called the race at around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Lamont, a Democrat, said it is time to get to work.

Fazio, a state senator, lost the race but made it clear he is not going anywhere. He said he will continue to focus on being the change he says Connecticut needs.

Nationally, Democrats took control of the House and Senate. In Connecticut, Republicans lost eight seats. Many called the election results a “blue tsunami.”

Lamont and Democratic leaders planned a post-election rally at the State Capitol at noon on Wednesday.

Democrats credit Trump for turnout

Democrats flipped seats across the country and in the state legislature. Many expected Lamont to be re-elected.

Lamont and the state’s Democratic constitutional officers said President Donald Trump is what drove voters to vote for Democrats. They said voters sent a message that Democrats are fighting for ordinary people, that states need to protect immigrants and restrict ICE, and that there is a need for universal health care, more housing and more jobs.

State legislature results

Democrats have an even stronger majority in the state legislature. Republicans appear to have lost eight seats, including Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding.

One of the Senate seats now held by Jason Parillo is headed to a recount.

Record voter turnout

Connecticut saw record numbers with early voting and same-day voter registration, according to the Secretary of the State’s Office.

Lamont’s priorities

Lamont said he is moving into his third term focused on improving schools and lowering the cost of health care. He said he also wants to continue efforts to lower taxes for the middle class and fight the Trump administration’s war and tariffs.

“I need people to believe in this state as much as I do,” Lamont said. “Build on what we got. Early childhood education and bring down the cost of healthcare. If I had one overriding goal, that’s what it is. That’s eating our local budgets alive and it’s really tough on families and not for profits.”

Fazio concedes

Fazio conceded the race in a call to Lamont. He told Channel 3 it was a cordial fight and acknowledged it was a hard night for Republicans across the country.

Fazio said he hopes to continue his campaign momentum of pushing for tax cuts and lowering the cost of living in the state.

“I still believe we can bring people together across parties and backgrounds to make our politics more constructive. I believe we can reduce the cost of government. I believe we can realize CT’s instincts for community, liberty and opportunity,” Fazio said.

What’s next

Lamont also told Channel 3 it was a hard-fought race with Fazio. He said they plan to get lunch soon.

See more election results here.

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