Fichtel Named in Greenwich Free Press

Connecticut Republicans gathered at Greenwich Town Hall on Monday evening to formally nominate Ryan Fazio for the 36th Senate District special election. The election, scheduled for August 17th, will fill the seat vacated by Alex Kasser, who resigned unexpectedly last month.

Fazio, who narrowly lost to Kasser in the 2020 election by just 2.6 percentage points, is running on a platform focused on improving Connecticut’s economic conditions and addressing what he describes as harmful policies implemented by the Democratic majority in Hartford.

“Connecticut is at a crossroads,” Fazio told supporters during his acceptance speech. “We have the opportunity to change course from policies that have harmed our state for decades—high taxes, excessive regulation, and poor fiscal management that have driven residents and businesses away.”

The 36th District, which encompasses all of Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan, has been a battleground in recent years. Historically a Republican stronghold, Democrats gained control of the seat in 2018 when Kasser (then known as Alex Bergstein) defeated incumbent Republican L. Scott Frantz, ending the GOP’s century-long hold on the district.

Republican leadership expressed confidence in Fazio’s candidacy. State GOP Chairman Ben Proto emphasized the importance of the race for Connecticut Republicans. “This special election represents our first opportunity to begin turning the tide in Connecticut,” Proto said. “Ryan nearly won this seat last year, and voters now have seen firsthand the consequences of one-party Democratic rule in Hartford.”

Harry Arora, State Representative for Greenwich’s 151st District, highlighted Fazio’s deep community connections. “Ryan understands the unique character of our district and the concerns of local residents. He’s committed to preserving what makes our communities special while addressing the serious economic challenges facing our state.”

Fazio, a 31-year-old Greenwich native and RTM member, works in the energy sector as an analyst. His campaign has identified several priorities, including supporting local public education, promoting public safety, and implementing more fiscally responsible policies at the state level.

“Connecticut ranks near the bottom in economic growth and job creation among all 50 states,” Fazio noted. “Our property values have stagnated while they’ve risen elsewhere. These aren’t just statistics—they represent missed opportunities for Connecticut families and businesses.”

The special election comes at a critical time for Connecticut Republicans, who have lost ground in recent years, particularly in Fairfield County suburbs that once served as party strongholds. Democrats currently hold a 24-12 advantage in the State Senate and a 97-54 majority in the House.

Political analysts view the race as a potential indicator of suburban political trends ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. “This district represents the type of formerly reliable Republican suburb that has shifted toward Democrats in recent years,” explained Ronald Schurin, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut. “If Republicans can recapture this seat, it could signal a reversal of that trend.”

Democrats are expected to nominate their candidate later this week, with Alexis Gevanter, a gun safety advocate and attorney, emerging as a potential frontrunner. The race will likely draw significant attention and resources from both parties given its competitive nature and symbolic importance.

Local issues expected to feature prominently in the campaign include zoning regulations, infrastructure investment, and Connecticut’s ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fazio has been critical of recent state legislation that would potentially impact local control over housing development.

“One-size-fits-all mandates from Hartford don’t respect the unique character of our communities,” Fazio said. “We need solutions that empower local decision-making while addressing our state’s affordable housing needs.”

The compressed timeframe of the special election—with just over a month until voters head to the polls—means candidates will need to mobilize supporters quickly. Both parties are expected to pour significant resources into voter outreach and turnout operations.

Republican officials closed the nomination meeting with calls for unity and volunteer support. “This election will be decided by which side better motivates their base to show up in the middle of August,” Proto told attendees. “Every door knocked and every phone call made could make the difference in what will likely be a close race.”