February 25, 2025
A special election will be held Tuesday, February 25 to fill the vacancy for former Stratford State Sen. Kevin Kelly’s seat in the Connecticut General Assembly, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday.
Kelly resigned from his seat representing the 21st Senatorial District, which consists of portions of Monroe, Seymour, and Stratford, and all of Shelton, the day before the legislative session began. Kelly is being considered for a position as Superior Court judge.
Under state law, the governor is required to issue a writ of special election within ten days of a seat in the General Assembly becoming vacant, and a special election must be held 46 days after the writ is issued.
To date, the following have indicated they will be running for Kevin Kelly’s seat:
Anthony Afriyie (D)
Today, I’m excited to announce that I am running for the 21st State Senate District seat, and I am reaching out to ask for your support in this important endeavor.
Our district is a vibrant mix of communities—from the bustling corporate parks of Shelton to the historic charm of Seymour, the family-centered values of Monroe, and the coastal legacy of Stratford. It’s a place where suburban life meets industrial heritage, where families and small businesses thrive together.
However, we know our work is far from over. Many of our families are feeling the squeeze of rising costs, stagnant wages, and outdated infrastructure. Our government must do more to create good-paying jobs, lower costs for working families, and ensure quality education and infrastructure for all. That’s why I’m running.
I’m not a career politician—I’m a neighbor, a public servant, and a fighter for working families. My platform is clear:
Lowering Costs for Families: By tackling rising utility rates, property taxes, and price gouging.
Investing in Our Communities: By fixing roads, expanding transit, and revitalizing our schools and small businesses.
To secure the State Financing Program, I need to raise $13,000 and gain support from at least 250 donors in our district. This is a grassroots campaign powered by people like you—because real change starts at the community level.
I would be honored to have your endorsement, advice, and ideas as we embark on this journey together. Let’s show the 21st District what leadership for a new generation can achieve.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our shared Democratic values. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your thoughts or questions. Together, we can turn vision into victory.
In solidarity,
Anthony Afriyie
Candidate for the 21st State Senate District
State Rep. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton
Perillo has expressed interest in the open 21st Senate District seat formerly held by state Sen. Kevin Kelly.
The 21st District includes Shelton, Monroe, Seymour, and Stratford and has traditionally been Republican in recent years. The Democrats did not offer a candidate for the 2024 election.
Perillo said the Republican convention delegates for the district are scheduled to meet in Monroe on Thursday evening to make their nomination, which he is seeking.
“I have a lot of experience at the Capitol,” said Perillo, who has represented Shelton since 2007. “In the other towns, I have some new voters to meet.”
Perillo said campaigning for a special election is like running a sprint, while a general election is more like a marathon. His strategy will be the same, whether there’s a Democratic candidate or not, he said.
“I run hard and talk to as many voters as possible, regardless of who my opponent is,” he said. The key is to build strong relationships with town leaders and with voters, and to learn what the needs are in each town, Perillo said.
