EDlection2018: Democrat Wins Tight Governor’s Race In Connecticut, Turns To State’s Tough Finances

EDlection2018: Democrat Wins Tight Governor’s Race in Connecticut, Turns to State’s Tough Finances

EDlection2018: This is one of the many races we have examined for the 2018 midterms that have the potential to impact state or federal education policy. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter.

After a close race on Election Night, Democrat Ned Lamont has been declared the next governor of Connecticut, as reported by the Hartford Courant. Republican nominee Bob Stefanowski conceded the race on Wednesday morning, giving up the GOP’s best opportunity to claim a governor’s seat this election cycle.

Political analysts had predicted a tight race influenced by conflicting forces: the Northeast’s opposition towards President Trump, which is strongly felt in Connecticut, limited Stefanowski’s level of support. However, the unpopularity of incumbent Governor Dan Malloy has also hindered the chances for Democrats.

Governor Malloy’s approval ratings have declined as he grapples with Connecticut’s challenging financial situation. The state’s accountants are concerned about the soaring retirement costs for public employees, particularly public school teachers, while businesses are leaving the state for Boston and New York. Malloy’s strategy of increasing taxes while reducing municipal aid has proven to be an unpopular solution.

Despite the fiscal concerns, Connecticut schools show promise with some of the highest student achievement in the nation. However, the achievement gaps between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds are among the widest in the country. Additionally, the state’s distribution of school funding has faced legal challenges, with critics arguing that it inadequately funds districts in need.

Stefanowski’s main campaign promise was to cut taxes, including gradually eliminating estate and income taxes. Lamont countered by emphasizing the importance of fully funding the state’s Education Cost Sharing fund, which would allow schools to hire more social workers, teachers, and counselors. However, the cost of these ambitious proposals poses a significant challenge, according to Ronald Schurin, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut.

"The challenge for Governor-elect Lamont will be more about arithmetic than philosophy," he explained in an email to . "Like his predecessor, he will strive to address the needs of various constituencies across the state, including school districts and public colleges, without implementing major tax increases. It will be a formidable task."

Related: With both parties vying for complete control of Connecticut’s Statehouse and Governor’s Mansion, the midterms could shape the state’s education priorities for years.

Lamont’s party has gained significant strength in the state legislature, which provides him with support. After witnessing dwindling majorities in both chambers in recent years, Democrats have made substantial gains in this election. The state Senate, once tied at 18-18, has now shifted to solid Democratic control with at least 23 Democratic seats. Additionally, Democrats could secure as many as 12 seats in the House, giving them a comfortable 92-59 majority.

Despite the Democratic victories, Lamont’s narrow margin of victory highlights the trend of close races in Connecticut’s gubernatorial elections. In a state that leans heavily towards the Democratic party, the fact that many voters responded to Stefanowski’s message of tax cuts suggests a weariness with the pace of cutbacks, particularly in one of the wealthiest regions in the country. In his victory speech, Lamont struck a conciliatory tone and promised to work with those who opposed his candidacy.

"I’m reaching out to the folks that supported [Stefanowski]," he stated. "I need to unite people in order to make the necessary decisions for the growth of this state."

EDlection2018: This is one of the numerous races we have examined for the 2018 midterms that have the potential to impact state or federal education policy. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter.

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