Rep. Vincent J. Candelora and Sen. Kevin Kelly are the top elected Republicans in Connecticut and face an uphill battle dealing with a governorship, House and Senate all controlled by Democrats.
But their messaging this year will take on greater importance ahead of November’s elections, in which Republicans will try to wrestle away control of the executive and legislative branches.
Candelora, the House Republican leader, and Kelly, Senate Republican Leader, have made crime a top issue this legislative session and proposed several measures that would crack down on juvenile offenders, including tougher penalties for stolen cars. Candelora and Kelly have also said recent police reforms have made it harder for cops to do their jobs.
Kelly and Candelora were also critical of Gov. Ned Lamont’s recent $24.2 billion budget proposal, arguing proposed tax cuts wouldn’t bring relief fast enough to residents and that it increases state spending too much. House Republicans recently countered with a larger $700 million-plus tax cut plan.
The two men have also been proponents of greater investment in mental healthcare services.
Outside the legislature, Candelora, who lives in North Branford, helps run two family-owned businesses — a manufacturing company and sportsplex.
Kelly is an elder law attorney and owner of Kevin Kelly & Associates PC, a law firm based in Stratford, where he lives.