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Stone-McGuigan Challenges Fazio in Connecticut Senate Race

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. challenges-fazio-in-connecticut-senate-race.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, March 13th 2026 at 3:59 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

GREENWICH, CT - March 13th, 2026 - The political landscape of Connecticut's 36th State Senate District is heating up after former Greenwich Selectwoman Janet Stone-McGuigan formally announced her campaign to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Ryan Fazio. The announcement, made Tuesday, sets the stage for a potentially vigorous contest that will likely focus on key issues of fiscal responsibility, education, and public safety.

Fazio, who has represented the district since 2018, has established himself as a moderate voice within the state legislature, often focusing on economic development and property tax relief. Stone-McGuigan's entry into the race immediately creates a primary challenge for Fazio, adding a new dynamic to what was previously expected to be a relatively straightforward re-election bid.

Stone-McGuigan, a thirty-year resident of Greenwich, brings a wealth of local government experience to the table. Her four years serving as a selectwoman provided her with a deep understanding of the concerns and priorities of residents within the 36th District, which encompasses Greenwich, New Canaan, and parts of Stamford and Darien. In her announcement, Stone-McGuigan emphasized her long-standing commitment to community involvement, framing her candidacy as a natural extension of her dedication to public service.

"I'm excited to announce my candidacy and offer voters a choice to represent the 36th District," Stone-McGuigan stated in a press release. "I've always been driven by the importance of being actively involved in the community. Serving as a selectwoman allowed me to contribute to the town's betterment, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve our state."

Her campaign platform is built around three core principles: fiscal responsibility, education, and community safety. While seemingly broad, these pillars are strategically chosen to appeal to a wide range of voters in the district. Analysts suggest Stone-McGuigan will likely position herself as a pragmatic conservative, advocating for responsible spending, local control over education, and enhanced measures to address crime and ensure public safety.

Fiscal Responsibility: A Key Battleground

The emphasis on fiscal responsibility is particularly noteworthy given the current economic climate in Connecticut. The state has struggled for years with budget deficits and high levels of debt. Stone-McGuigan is expected to advocate for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and policies that foster economic growth. This approach will likely contrast with Fazio's record, potentially highlighting differences in their approaches to state budgeting and economic policy. The debate over fiscal prudence will almost certainly be a central theme of the campaign.

Education: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities

Education is another critical issue in the 36th District, particularly in affluent towns like Greenwich where expectations for public schools are high. Stone-McGuigan has vowed to improve the state's educational system, focusing on providing students with the resources they need to succeed. This could include advocating for increased funding for schools, supporting initiatives to attract and retain qualified teachers, and promoting innovative educational programs. The recent debates surrounding standardized testing, curriculum development, and school choice are likely to become prominent topics during the campaign.

Community Safety: A Growing Concern

In recent years, concerns about community safety have been on the rise across Connecticut, including within the 36th District. Stone-McGuigan's pledge to make communities safe and welcoming will likely resonate with voters who are worried about crime rates and the overall quality of life. She is expected to advocate for increased funding for law enforcement, support for community policing initiatives, and policies that address the root causes of crime. This will likely draw attention to ongoing debates regarding criminal justice reform and the balance between public safety and individual liberties.

The upcoming months promise a lively and closely watched race. Both Stone-McGuigan and Fazio will need to mobilize their bases and appeal to independent voters to secure victory. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Connecticut State Senate and the future direction of the 36th District.