DeFronzo Wins Democratic Nomination for State Representative

Democratic former City Council member, Ald David DeFronzo (D-AL) is the Democratic Party nominee for State Representative in the 26th Assembly District, after winning today’s Democratic primary with fellow former Council member, Ald Aram Ayalon (D-3), apparently by a nearly two to one margin.

The results were unofficially 484 for DeFronzo to 248 for Ayalon, according to the office of the Secretary of the State.

DeFronzo will now face the Republican candidate for the seat, Board of Education member Barbara Marino (R), in the November general election.

The election this year is to succeed longtime State Rep Peter Tercyak (D-26), who announced his retirement, after serving the district for 21 years.

A New Britain High School graduate who went on to teach for 18 years at Jefferson School, DeFronzo’s campaign has said that he has, “worked tirelessly with community members and elected officials to protect AW Stanley Park and has been a vocal supporter of addressing neighborhood concerns, such as snow removal, infrastructure improvements, road paving, and park revitalization.”

DeFronzo has called, “for a $200 million state investment in aging, unsafe and inefficient municipal infrastructure systems across the state,” his campaign has said, noting, “long delayed sewer improvement projects have led to regularly recurring flood conditions in a residential neighborhood creating public health dangers and property damage.”

DeFronzo announced a series of initiatives for, “the state to play a more direct role in the financing and oversight of affordable housing statewide.” He said that, “the state should repeal the law that prevents cities and towns from establishing their own rent caps and require local Fair Rent Commissions to have at least 45% of their members be tenants.” He added that there should be limits on when rent increases can occur and that, “We need to make sure the state provides reasonable incentives to developers while ensuring the housing being built will be affordable long term.”

DeFronzo has also advocated for expanded mental health services for high school students. Saying, “I believe every high school student, regardless of their income level, should have access to mental health services at their high school,” said he will press for more funding for staffing and other resources for mental health services in high schools in Connecticut.

Editor’s note: This article is being updated, as more complete vote totals are available. John McNamara was a contributing reporter on this article. The cover photo is by local photographer, Dr Frank Gerratana.

Editor’s note: The article previously misstated the vote totals. Apologies for the error.