Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
13%
42%
Republican
Ryan Fazio
Connecticut Republican Governor nominee?
$30.4K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
Age36 years old (Mar 27, 1990)
GenderMale
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LocationConnecticut
BackgroundBusinessman
Notable personal detailsRyan Michael Fazio is an American businessman and Republican politician who has served in the Connecticut State Senate representing the 36th District since August 26, 2021. He previously won a 2021 special election and was re-elected in 2022 and 2024. In 2026, he became the Connecticut Republican nominee for governor after winning the party endorsement at the state convention.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgryanfazio.comctpublic.orgelectionhistory.ct.govctinsider.comctsenaterepublicans.comciclt.netctnewsjunkie.comseec.ct.govportal.ct.govdehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.netctexaminer.comnbcconnecticut.comgreenwichfreepress.comctmirror.orgnewcanaansentinel.comgreenwichtime.comwfsb.comwtnh.comfox61.comlongisland.news12.comnewhavenindependent.orggreenwichsentinel.combristoledition.orgcourant.comwestfaironline.comhartfordbusiness.comnytimes.comyoutube.comfacebook.comx.comballotready.orgsenate.govblumenthal.senate.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgmurphy.senate.govcongress.govgovinfo.govhelp.senate.govnga.orgwikidata.orgsbc.senate.govsaos.fec.govfec.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Ryan Fazio supports cutting taxes and reducing certain state fees and charges, including plans to cut taxes by roughly $1,500 per family and to reduce or eliminate the public benefits charge on electric bills. He has sponsored proposals for income tax reductions and limits on property tax growth, and advocates slowing spending growth and reducing selected tax expenditures to fund cuts.
Healthcare
Supports market-oriented reforms to expand provider supply and reduce costs, including rolling back certificate-of-need laws and increasing insurance options for consumers and employers. Proposes administrative changes to funding of assistance programs and regulatory rollbacks intended to lower health-care costs by an estimated 5–10%.
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Immigration & Border
Supports rolling back Connecticut’s 2019 ‘Trust Act’ sanctuary provisions to allow state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities for people convicted of certain crimes and to reduce state spending on illegal immigration. Advocates stronger enforcement measures at the state level while framing changes as focused on public safety and taxpayer costs.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports keeping abortion legal in Connecticut while expressing concerns about expanding who may perform certain abortion procedures; has voted against legislation that would allow advanced-practice clinicians to perform aspiration abortions, citing patient safety and standards of care. Also supports expanding access to contraception.
Climate & Energy
Favors prioritizing energy affordability over aggressive decarbonization measures, proposing to cut or remove the “public benefits” charge, oppose further state spending on EV chargers and electrification incentives, and expand support for natural gas and nuclear to increase supply. Opposes Connecticut’s participation in RGGI and has criticized new offshore wind purchases as likely to raise consumer bills. Seeks to shift some clean-energy subsidies and programs into the budget and cap future long-term energy contract prices.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports preserving Connecticut’s existing strong gun laws but opposed the 2023 comprehensive gun-safety bill, citing enforcement concerns and proposing amendments focused on enforcement, school resource officers, and proactive policing. Has co-sponsored legislation to align background-check procedures with federal requirements while receiving criticism and a failing grade from Connecticut gun-safety advocates and endorsements from pro-gun organizations. Emphasizes law enforcement tools and prosecution to reduce gun crime rather than new broad restrictions.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 20, 2026
Ryan Fazio is emerging as a leading Republican contender for governor after Erin Stewart suspended her campaign and endorsed him. That shift leaves Fazio facing Betsy McCaughey for the GOP nomination as the party heads toward its convention and primary. Recent coverage also shows the candidates focusing on Connecticut issues like taxes and the cost of living, while McCaughey has tried to make energy policy a central theme.
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Articles
HCHartford Courant3 months ago
At forum, CT GOP gubernatorial candidates silent on Trump
Positive
HCHartford Courant1 month ago
CT GOP, Dems look forward after Erin Stewart suspends campaign
Positive
WEWashington Examiner1 month ago
Connecticut GOP governor candidate drops out after fraud allegations emerge
Positive
HCHartford Courant2 months ago
Leaving office, Erin Stewart sought pension benefit that didn’t exist
Neutral
Polls
Connecticut Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Connecticut Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Ryan Fazio for Connecticut Republican Governor nominee?
Connecticut Republican State Party Convention delegates
Elected official
Connecticut Republican State Party Convention delegates endorsed Ryan Fazio for governor.
Vincent Candelora
Elected official
House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora endorsed Ryan Fazio for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising