Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 24, 2026 11 POLITICS & POLICY with me, and focus on policy and find common ground," he added. "We can get a lot done together, and that's the type of governor I'll be." Here's what else Fazio had to say. The Q&A was edited for length and clarity. Q: Why do you believe a Republican can win statewide in Connecticut? A: I know how to win in districts that lean more Democrat — by building a coalition of moderate Democrats, unaffiliated voters and Republicans who all want to see affordability. I want to appeal to everyone. I have been able to win my state Senate elections in a blue-leaning district by winning a large majority of unaffil- iated voters and a good number of moderate Democrats, in addition to the vast majority of Republicans. I think we can build a coalition across party lines for change in this state because most voters in Connecticut are not ideological and hyperpartisan. I think they're practical, and they want to see a government that delivers. Q: What is the biggest economic challenge facing Connecticut and what would be your top priority? A: When you talk to employers, workers, anyone who is active in Connecticut's economy, it's the sky-high taxes and sky-high electric rates. In the manufacturing and industrial sector, the electric rates are killers that can make things. It also entails allowing for more apprentices. The state caps the number of because employers can build the same widgets for half the energy costs in so many other states, and that's not a sustainable paradigm for us to maintain our economic and industrial base. At the same time, we have the third-highest taxes in the country, and it's very difficult for workers or employers to justify staying here and investing here. Q: How would you make Connecticut more competitive for business? A: There are a lot of special exemp- tions and tax credits that go to one industry over another — I think those need to be reduced. If we do that, we can provide across-the-board tax relief that encourages the most economic growth, wage growth and job growth in this state. There should be full expensing of capital investment. If you put $100 million into a factory, machinery or steel in the ground, we know you'll have to hire people permanently and create good-paying jobs. That is the most pro-growth tax reform imaginable. Almost every economist agrees with it. Q: Employers continue to struggle to hire workers. What should Connecticut do? A: We need to make the state affordable. That will bring qualified workers into the state first and foremost. We also need to create a pipeline of workers here in the state. That means supporting the trades and vocational education to build a young workforce apprenticeships at three full- time workers to one apprentice. That is destroying jobs and opportunities for young people who want to earn and work here in Connecticut. We need to reduce the fees on licensing for skilled workers. … We should roll out the red carpet for them. When someone who needs to work in a licensed trade is licensed in another state and wants to transfer that license to Connecticut, we should make it easier for them to do so. Q: Finally, if a CEO says Connecticut is too expen- sive to do business in, what would you tell them? A: This state has all the attri- butes to make it extraordinarily successful — it's the most produc- tive place in the entire country. We have smart people, the third- most educated workforce in the country. Natural beauty, a great location between Boston and New York, and strong communities. The only thing we're missing is the right economic policy to make it affordable to live here and invest here. Your deposits should support more than just today's operations. With an experienced team, responsive local service, and practical banking solutions, TSB helps your organization grow with confidence. Partner with the right team. Let's move forward together. Built on Trust. Focused on Growth. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER | MEMBER TorringtonSavings.Bank (860) 496-4495 Connect with a local Business Banker today. State Sen. Ryan Fazio, with his fiancée Amy Orser, celebrates winning the Republican nomination for governor in May. Photo | John Shishmanian/CT Mirror

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