DeFronzo, Endorsed With Democratic Slate, Emphasizes Grassroots Campaigning, Ayalon to Primary

Newly endorsed Democratic candidate for the 26th Assembly District, Dave DeFronzo, said that he is emphasizing a grassroots approach to campaigning in his run to succeed retiring State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26).

“I have knocked on over two thousand doors so far,” DeFronzo said, “and the people of this district have said loud and clear that they want leaders who can work together to make a difference for the city.”

DeFronzo is being backed by Tercyak, who said,

Dave’s unwavering commitment to our community, his proven track record on the City Council, and his deep understanding of the issues that matter most to our residents make him the ideal candidate for the 26th District. I am proud to endorse Dave DeFronzo for State Representative

DeFronzo said he is, “dedicated to continuing the legacy of Rep. Tercyak and being the leader our community needs.” He said he feels honored to be endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee in the 26th District, saying, “Our campaign is about reaching out to people, listening to their concerns and building relationships so we can get things done for residents.”

He is campaigning on the slogan, “A New Generation of Democratic Leadership.”

DeFronzo was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee by a vote of 7 to 4 over former Ald. Aram Ayalon (D-3). Ayalon’s campaign says he plans to petition to challenge for the Democratic Party nomination in a primary.

Ayalon, a retired CCSU professor, as said that he is campaigning on winning, “more equitable education funding,” property tax relief, limits on rent increases and more state funding for higher education.

DeFronzo joins the incumbent all-Democratic state legislative delegation as the Democratic endorsed slate.

State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep. Bobby Sanchez (D-25), Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) and Rep. Gary Turco (D-27), return to the slate endorsed to be the next New Britain delegation.

The Republican candidates running include former City Council member Tremell Collins (R-AL) for State Senate, Jamie Vaughan for state representative in the 25th District and Ald. Alden Russell (R-1) for state representative in the 24th District. No Republican appears to have filed with the state for candidacy in the 26th Assembly District at this time.

Former Mayor Lucian Pawlak (D) was also endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee for a new term as the city’s Democratic Registrar of Voters.

As the recipient of the party endorsement, DeFronzo will be the Democratic Party’s nominee in the 26th District, if there is no primary. He also automatically qualifies for a primary, if there is one. Ayalon can qualify for a primary for the Democratic Party nomination by gaining support by petition of five percent of Democratic-registered voters in the district.