The following was compiled from press releases sent from the campaigns of Stephanie Thomas and Kim Healy. They are printed in the order in which they were received.
Stephanie Thomas, Running for State Representative in 143rd District, Qualifies for CEP Grant
Stephanie Thomas’s campaign for the 143rd District seat in Connecticut’s House of Representatives was launched in February 2020, and raised the necessary money to qualify for Citizens’ Election Program funding–$5,300 in contributions of $270 or less, including individual contributions from at least 150 residents of the towns candidates are seeking to represent–within two weeks.
Thomas said that when the pandemic struck, she expected the campaign to go on hold as supporters dealt with the new challenges in their own lives, but the opposite was true.
“It’s so rewarding to see these people who are taking time out of their busy lives during this unprecedented election cycle time to volunteer and donate their time,” Thomas said. “Despite the pandemic and the economic issues it has brought, the people of Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport have shown that they believe in this campaign and I am grateful for their support.”
Thomas has also been surprised by the level of support from volunteers and interns. Since her campaign began, Thomas hosted two different volunteer kick-off events in May, which had over 120 people sign up and over 100 attendees. In total, Thomas has gathered over 150 volunteers to work remotely, as the pandemic makes traditional campaigning difficult and often impossible.
Many of these volunteers have moving stories for why they chose to get involved in politics. One intern, Joseph Piccolo, wrote in his cover letter that, “In 2016, I was of an age old enough to follow the Presidential Election yet too young to have a voice…The anguish, the fear, and the sadness that I saw my sister go through on that night in 2016 is exactly why I want a blue wave in 2020…A blue wave would mean more politicians in tune with the student loan debt crisis.”
Kim Healy, Candidate for 26th State Senate District, Qualifies for CEP Grant
Kim Healy, the Republican endorsed candidate for CT State Senate District 26, announced on July 9 that she had met the qualifying threshold of the State’s Citizens Election Program (CEP). Healy, a Wilton resident, raised $16,370 from 372 contributors.
“I am so thankful for the overwhelming support for my campaign. I filed to run on March 17, almost a week after our local schools closed, and at the same time, the state-imposed a stay-at-home order. As an unknown in the political sphere, I expected it would be a huge challenge to get the donations needed to qualify, as limitations on social interactions resulted due to COVID-19,” Healy said in a press release.
“The donations came from people who know me and trust that I will do what is in the best interest of the 26th District. I am thankful for all of those I have met through phone and Zoom calls.
“My strong ties to my community and the network of support I have built in these few short months in the towns throughout the 26th District, with donations from all ages and party affiliations, helped me reach my fundraising goals.
“We continue to have serious issues in Connecticut, only compounded by COVID-19, and I am committed to addressing those issues to benefit all residents.
“I know we are facing challenging and uncertain times, and more than ever we need a leader who is committed to supporting our schools and ensuring that our towns see a full economic recovery. I’m running to represent the 26th District because I am deeply invested in our community and I’m ready to do the necessary hard work every day and ensure we get our state back on track and on secure financial footing.”
