Democrats tap Henowitz for Senate bid in 20th

East Lyme — Democratic delegates unanimously endorsed Ryan Henowitz’s bid for the 20th District seat in the state Senate Monday night at a nominating convention at the Lyme Tavern.

Henowitz, 33, of New London, the party-endorsed candidate, won the votes of all 31 delegates. State Rep. Kevin Ryan of Montville nominated Henowitz. New London Democratic Town Chairman Kevin Cavanagh seconded the nomination.

Henowitz will challenge Republican Sen. Paul Formica of East Lyme in the November election. Formica was unanimously endorsed for re-election earlier this month.

“It’s an honor to be selected as the endorsed Democrat,” Henowitz said. “People in the 20th Senate District and throughout eastern Connecticut are looking for leaders who can put petty differences aside and fight to improve the lives of everyday people.”

Henowitz said his top priority, if elected, would be “supporting and growing our middle class — from working for paid family leave to protecting working families …”

Henowitz, who grew up in Montville, has not held elective office.

After graduating from St. Bernard School in 2001, he served two tours of duty as a combat medic in Iraq and, following his military service, completed a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Connecticut State University. He works as a legislative advocate for AFT Connecticut, a labor union representing teachers, nurses and state employees.

Henowitz mounted an unsuccessful primary campaign for the New London City Council last year. Earlier, former New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio had appointed him the city’s veterans’ liaison.