Hwang Declares Victory After Overnight Election Uncertainty

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Rep. Tony Hwang has won a fourth term in office.

Hwang, a Republican representing the 28th Senatorial District, declared victory in a statement Wednesday, after results remained uncertain overnight. He received 31,845 votes, compared to his opponent, Michelle McCabe, who got 29,733, according to unofficial results from the secretary of the state and Fairfield registrars of voters.

“I am incredibly thankful for the continued trust placed upon me by the voters of the 28th Senate district,” Hwang said Wednesday in a prepared statement. “… Yesterday’s unprecedented voter turnout in the 28th senatorial district and throughout CT is a resounding response to the many challenges we face and an acknowledgement of the demanding work that must be done on behalf of the people.”

About 13,000 more voters cast ballots in the 28th District in 2020 compared to 2018, when McCabe, a Democrat, also ran against Hwang and also lost by about 2,000 votes. On Tuesday, she led Hwang in Weston and Westport, but lagged behind him in Newtown, Easton and Fairfield, according to unofficial results.

McCabe is the director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development with the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.

“The voters of the 28th have made their choice and, while our incumbent prevailed, for the second time he was shown that there is a substantial portion of his constituents who do not feel he represents their concerns,” McCabe said Wednesday in a Facebook post. “I hope that he learns to listen, even when it is difficult for him to hear, and makes decisions based on what is best for all of the residents who he represents.”

In his statement Wednesday, Hwang addressed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has dominated headlines and directly affected residents’ lives for months.

“Our businesses need an opportunity to recover, our children need to be able to return to the classroom safely, and our democratic institutions and economy require strengthening,” he said. “… Better days lie ahead, and we will get there by working together to find solutions to the challenges before us.”