Granby State Senator Declines Run for U.S. Congress Seat

GRANBY, CT — State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) announced Monday he has decided not to run for the 5th Congressional District seat that will be open following Democrat Elizabeth Esty's decision to not seek re-election in the wake of controversy that followed her dismissal of her former chief of staff amid allegations about threatening and harassing a former staff member.

Witkos currently serves the 8th Senate District in the Connecticut General Assembly in the role of Deputy Senate Republican President Pro Tempore. He said he intends to continue serving Connecticut’s 8th Senate District and will be running for reelection to the State Senate in the upcoming November election.

“I love being a part of the Connecticut community," Witkos said in a written statement. "It is my home, it’s where I own a business, and it’s where my wife and I raised our family. I deeply appreciate the encouragement and offers of assistance by many people throughout the state asking me to run as a candidate for the 5th Congressional District Seat representing Connecticut in Washington D.C. However, my heart and my commitment to Connecticut remains steadfast here at home."

The 8th Senate District includes the communities of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.

“One of the greatest honors of my life has been to receive the support of my constituents to serve in the Connecticut State Senate," Witkos said. "During my tenure, we have seen many changes in state government. I’ve had the pleasure of serving under three governors and numerous agency commissioners. During my time as a lawmaker I have worked to craft and pass legislation that has greatly benefited our state. Most recently, as a result of the historic tied membership in the State Senate, I was honored to be part of a momentous shift in which lawmakers were finally able to begin steering the state in the right direction fiscally. Last year we successfully adopted a bipartisan budget that contained a constitutional spending cap, a bond cap, a volatility cap and a requirement to vote on all union contracts – all policies lawmakers have long sought to implement for many years. While much has been accomplished, I believe there is still much more to do right here in Connecticut. That is why I believe at this time my place is not in Washington, but rather I belong right here in Connecticut where I hope to continue serving in the Connecticut State Senate, representing the 8th State Senate District and striving to make Connecticut an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Photo courtesy of Sen. Kevin Witkos