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Stone-McGuigan Challenges Fazio in State Senate Race

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, March 14th 2026 at 18:22 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

GREENWICH, CT - March 14th, 2026 - Janet Stone-McGuigan, a well-known figure in Greenwich politics, formally announced her candidacy for State Senate representing Connecticut's 36th District today. The announcement sets the stage for a competitive election against incumbent Senator Ryan Fazio, who has represented the district since 2018.

Stone-McGuigan, a former Greenwich Selectwoman, framed her campaign as a commitment to amplifying the voices of residents in the 36th District, which encompasses all of Greenwich, and portions of Stamford and New Canaan. Speaking at a launch event held at the Greenwich Community Center, she emphasized a platform centered around the everyday needs of working families and seniors, and a dedication to prioritizing community-level issues.

"For too long, the concerns of the 36th District have been overshadowed by broader state-level debates," Stone-McGuigan stated. "I'm running to change that. I want to be a relentless advocate for the practical solutions that will improve the lives of those who live and work here."

While details of Senator Fazio's re-election campaign haven't been widely publicized, Stone-McGuigan is already positioning herself as a candidate with deep roots in the community and a proven track record of civic engagement. Her time on the Greenwich Board of Selectmen provided her with extensive experience navigating municipal issues, from budget allocations to infrastructure projects.

Key Campaign Pillars: Affordable Housing, Taxes, and Education

Stone-McGuigan's campaign is currently focusing on three core issues: affordable housing, property taxes, and educational opportunities. The rising cost of living in Fairfield County, and particularly in Greenwich, has created a significant challenge for working families and young professionals seeking to establish themselves in the area. Stone-McGuigan believes a multi-faceted approach is needed to address the housing shortage, potentially including incentivizing the development of accessory dwelling units, exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships, and streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing projects. She acknowledges the sensitivity around development in Greenwich but argues that ignoring the issue will only exacerbate the problem.

Property taxes are another major concern for residents. Stone-McGuigan plans to advocate for increased state aid to municipalities to alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. She also proposes exploring innovative revenue-generating options and increased efficiency in local government spending. "We need to ensure that our property taxes are fair and sustainable, and that our towns and cities have the resources they need to provide essential services," she explained.

Education is arguably the cornerstone of her platform. Stone-McGuigan believes that investing in education is an investment in the future of Connecticut. She intends to champion increased funding for public schools, support programs that address the achievement gap, and expand access to vocational training and higher education. "Our schools are the foundation of our community," Stone-McGuigan said. "We need to ensure they are adequately funded and that our young people have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world." She has signaled an intention to review current funding formulas to ensure equitable distribution across the district's schools, particularly addressing disparities between Greenwich's affluent areas and the more economically challenged sections of Stamford within the 36th District.

Background and Experience

Janet Stone-McGuigan is a highly educated professional, holding both a bachelor's degree from Boston College and a law degree from Cornell Law School. This background, she believes, will be valuable in navigating the complex legislative landscape of the Connecticut State Senate. Beyond her professional and political experience, Stone-McGuigan is a long-time resident of Greenwich with her husband, Tom McGuigan, and their three children. This family connection to the community is a key element of her campaign narrative.

Senator Fazio has yet to respond to Stone-McGuigan's candidacy, leaving many wondering how he will counter her local-focused approach. Analysts predict the race will be closely watched, as it could be a bellwether for broader political trends in Connecticut. The 36th District has historically leaned conservative, but Stone-McGuigan hopes to appeal to a wider range of voters with her emphasis on practical solutions and community engagement. The election is scheduled for November 2026, giving both candidates ample time to connect with voters and articulate their vision for the future of the 36th District.