Two GOP candidates for Governor this year in Connecticut took part in WTIC's "11th Commandment Republican Gubernatorial Debate" at Stadium XV in Farmington.
Senator Ryan Fazio, who is leaving his seat to run for Governor, and Former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey met face-to-face to answer questions concerning multiple issues facing the State.
Both are residents of Greenwich.
Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart declined WTIC's invitation to take part. She has publicly cited a focus on traversing the State to earn support from delegates as her reason for not taking part in this early, pre-convention debate.
Although the candidates disagreed on some policies, the two didn't lob personal attacks or heated criticisms of one-another.
Fazio offered an apparent dig at the absent Stewart, calling for a demonstration to be able to debate: "I think debates and questions like you just asked are important...because in order for us to defeat Gov. Lamont and chart a better course for our State, we’re going to have to have someone who can stand on the stage with him and in front of the media day after day and answer these hard questions."
McCaughey only made one unnamed reference to Stewart, in casting her campaign slogan "it's time for something different" as "vague."
The candidates answered questions on the following topics:
ELECTRIC BILLS
Fazio was critical of the announcement in April that Eversource bills would drop by $30/month and United Illuminating Bills would drop by $34/month, calling it "fake news." The savings are only good through next April. The same goes for credits on the public benefits charge, which Democratic State Senator Norm Needleman of Essex had said would continue through at least September. Fazio is calling for the elimination of the public benefits charge, adding that he knows more than Governor Lamont on these issues.
McCaughey touted the lawsuit she filed against the State of New York, alleging it is violating the interstate commerce clause by blocking the Constitution Pipeline from reaching Connecticut.
TAXES
McCaughey spelled out her plan to eliminate the State Income Tax, which was instituted in 1991, by explaining that she would put: "...an absolute firm cap on government spending that cannot exceed the prior year." She went on to detail how the spending cap, inspired by plans seen in states like Oklahoma to phase out income taxes, would ensure "...all new revenue goes to reduce taxes and will make Connecticut a zero income tax state." McCaughey admitted that, based on national economic factors, it could take five to seven years to get in motion.
Fazio said he would renew and strengthen the State's fiscal guardrails, insisting Connecticut doesn't have a revenue problem but rather that it has a "spending problem."
HOUSING
McCaughey spent some time criticizing the Affordable Housing law that Connecticut passed in a special session at the end of 2025 "the purpose of this law is not affordable housing in areas that already have the infrastructure to support congregate living apartment buildings - sewers, water lines, bus lines, transportation; instead, they are deliberately forcing small towns where people rely on septic systems, and wells, and schools are not equipped for new, large influx of students."
Fazio offered a different view, calling for the elimination of unfunded mandates that he argues are hurting municipalities, adding it's not just a problem for home owners but also renters "...because the landlords are just passing those costs on to [renters]."
TRANSPORTATION
Fazio stressed the importance of reducing traffic at major chokepoints across the State, calling for the elongation of "...on-ramps and off-ramps," saying they're responsible for congestion.
McCaughey built on Fazio's response by criticizing deals with Union contractors, adding "...you can by drive a construction site [with] three people holding the shovel; that's where you know your tax dollars are not at work."
WATCH THE DEBATE
You can watch the debate via the link below.
