MEMO: Connecticut Republicans Head into Convention in Chaos

TO: Interested Parties
FROM: DGA Senior Communications Advisor Kevin Donohoe
DATE: May 15, 2026
SUBJECT: Connecticut Republicans Head into Convention in Chaos 

Introduction: A Fallen Frontrunner
Tomorrow, Connecticut Republicans will hold their convention to endorse a candidate for governor. The convention comes at a time of unprecedented upheaval in Connecticut’s Republican gubernatorial primary. In the past week, their so-called frontrunner –  Erin Stewart – was forced to suspend her campaign amidst a massive corruption scandal that roiled Connecticut Republicans. Stewart was once seen as the Connecticut GOP’s great hope – before multiple scandals forced her out of the race.

The upheaval in the race has left Connecticut Republicans reeling. The candidates still standing are Ryan Fazio and Betsy McCaughey, two deeply flawed politicians with records that are out of step with Connecticut voters.

Here’s what you need to know:

Ryan Fazio: Defunding Public Schools, Raising Costs, and Standing with the Gun Lobby
Ryan Fazio enters the convention with a long record of toxic positions from his time in the legislature that will be kryptonite in a general election. He recently voted against a massive package to fund public education and bring down property taxes for Connecticut families. He opposed Governor Ned Lamont’s funding to keep ACA premiums low for Connecticut families after Donald Trump’s budget law dramatically raised them. Fazio’s extremism goes beyond the budget. This legislative session, he repeatedly sided with the gun lobby and vocally opposed efforts to push back on the Trump administration’s attacks on Connecticut’s immigrant communities.

Betsy McCaughey: The MAGA Mouthpiece from New York
Betsy McCaughey is as MAGA as they come. She served as an economic advisor to Donald Trump during his first term – and was literally a mouthpiece for his economic agenda. McCaughey garnered attention during the Obama administration for spreading baseless and dangerous lies about the ACA, suggesting its passage would lead to “death panels” for seniors. She has pushed conservative groups to sue the state to overturn the state’s gun safety measures, cheerleaded the Trump administration’s abuses in Connecticut, and is credited with trying to rebrand Donald Trump’s ICE as “NICE.” She has strongly defended Trump’s war in Iran – even as it has raised gas prices in Connecticut to $4.60 per gallon.

For Fazio and McCaughey, MAGA Trumps What’s Best for Connecticut
Connecticut families need a governor who will stand up to Donald Trump when he attacks their jobs and their freedom. But McCaughey and Fazio are MAGA-obsessed and would push Trump’s agenda onto Connecticut voters who have repeatedly rejected it. McCaughey dedicated years of her career to supporting Trump and took the stage at CPAC this year, saying she “wanted to pay tribute to our Great President, Donald Trump, the most fearless, strongest President of our time.” Fazio has said he “would love the President’s endorsement” and has said “he has a great deal of respect” for Donald Trump’s “public service”. Last year, Fazio’s allies attacked Erin Stewart  for not being sufficiently supportive of Trump.

Conclusion: CT Republicans’ Uphill Climb in the Gov Race Just Keeps Getting Steeper
Connecticut Republicans were always facing an uphill battle against Governor Ned Lamont, one of the most popular governors in the country. But the recent chaos – in which the field has embraced Trump and taken out-of-touch positions like opposing funding for public schools – has left the party scrambling and the Republican field deeply out of touch with voters.

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