Two veteran GOP state senators not seeking reelection
HARTFORD — Two veteran Republican state senators are not seeking reelection this year, prompting their caucus to defend open seats in a contentious political year.
Deputy Senate GOP leader Paul Formica of East Lyme and Sen. Kevin Witkos of Canton are stepping down after long careers. As veteran campaigners, they were known for winning elections in their districts.
Formica currently serves as the No. 2 Republican in the caucus, keeping a close eye on legislation and the debates in the chamber. Witkos ran to become the caucus leader, but he lost in a close contest against Sen. Kevin Kelly of Stratford.
Formica, 68, was philosophical in making his announcement.
“As I have grown older, I’ve come to believe that there are seasons in a person’s life,’’ Formica said. “There are experiences, opportunities, relationships and a number of other circumstances — some wonderful, some tragic — that can define these seasons, but they come and go all the same.’’
He added, “In recent months, I have been sensing a pull toward a new season. It has been a thought-provoking process because I have been deeply blessed, grateful and proud of the season I am currently in. I have decided to embrace this new season, and therefore I will not be seeking reelection to the state Senate in November of 2022.’’
With a new grandchild for the first time this month, Formica gained a new perspective. Formica has always juggled a complicated schedule as a longtime elected official and as owner of the Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant.
Restaurants have fallen on tough times during the past two years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, prompting Republican state Rep. Tony D’amelio to recently step down from the legislature after nearly 25 years in order to spend more time at his restaurant at a golf course in Waterbury. Formica, too, has kept long hours at his restaurant.
“I am particularly grateful to my business family, the incredible team on my town and state staffs and especially my family for bearing with me as I split my time and attention with my public service for over three decades,’’ Formica said. “I would not trade a day of it.’’
Republican political analyst Liz Kurantowicz said she was surprised by Formica’s decision, adding that he will leave “very, very tough shoes to fill.’’
In recent years, Formica has had increasingly difficult reelection races, winning by four percentage points in 2018 over Democrat Martha Marx and then squeaking by only two percentage points in a rematch in 2020.
He was hailed by his colleagues, including Kelly.
“Paul embodies everything that makes an incredible public servant,’’ Kelly said. “He brings people together. He listens to all ideas and perspectives . ... From leading a town, to running a restaurant, to being an amazing father and now grandfather, Paul is someone you can always rely on to bring dedication and love to all he does.’’
Sen. Tony Hwang, a Fairfield Republican, said, “There has been quiet strength and resolve in his statesman leadership both at the state level and as a municipal head for his beloved hometown of East Lyme. In the time that we served together, his door was always open any time I had questions, and he freely shared his thoughts and wisdom. The life experiences he shared and his mentorship are memories and lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.’’
Witkos, 57, has served in the legislature for the past 20 years — starting with a stunning upset in 2002 of seven-term Rep. Jesse Stratton in Canton. Stratton was expected to run for Speaker of the House against incumbent Democrat Moira Lyons, but she lost her seat in her hometown.
In recent years, Witkos defeated Simsbury attorney Melissa E. Osborne three times with the races getting closer each time. He won by five percentage points in 2020 in the sprawling 8th district that stretches from Avon and Canton to Torrington and Colebrook.
A former chief, Witkos is now looking forward to rejoining the Canton volunteer fire department.
Republicans have held the 8th district for more than 50 years, dating back to the days of Lewis B. Rome, Reginald Smith, James Fleming and Thomas Herlihy.
Various candidates are already scrambling to run for the two open seats. State Rep. John Hampton, a moderate Democrat from Simsbury, was encouraged by supporters to run for the Senate, but he said Tuesday that he will be seeking reelection to his state House seat that he has held since 2013.