Two familiar challengers are planning to occupy slots on the local ballot this November as Fairfield’s Michelle McCabe and Dan Carter of Bethel each recently notified The Newtown Bee that they will be candidates for state office seats.

Ms McCabe, a Democrat, will be squaring off against 28th District Republican State Senator Tony Hwang, while Mr Carter, a former Second District lawmaker, is returning to politics to take on Rep Raghib Allie-Brennan.

According to a press advisory from Ms McCabe, she launched her campaign for the 28th District at an event that drew nearly 70 supporters from Fairfield, Newtown, Easton, Westport, and Weston. In front of a crowded room, she laid out her vision for this campaign, emphasizing that her candidacy is about walking the talk, reinvigorating trust in government, and ensuring that people and businesses feel wanted in Connecticut.

“I firmly believe in the power — the positive power — of government to be the tide that raises all ships,” said Ms McCabe. “I believe in the power of government to use its resources to support and invest in people. To support business and innovation. And the way government does that is not by getting out of the way, but actually by marshaling resources that can create an environment in which everyone who lives and works in Connecticut feels wanted and feels welcome. And it’s because I believe that’s what our government can and should be doing that I chose to run in 2018 and I’m standing before you now to seek your endorsement for State Senate in 2020.”

In 2018, McCabe ran as a political outsider against Sen Hwang, coming within 1,500 votes of the long-time incumbent. She announces that she is inspired to run by the same issues that spurred her run in 2018.

“The conversations I have with constituents are literally on every element of my platform that evolves throughout the campaign. I never forget a conversation, and any policy idea I have I can trace back to that moment on the phone or at the door where I started thinking, what can we do about that,” said Ms McCabe.

Ms McCabe, a longtime Fairfield resident, serves as the director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED) at The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport. As director, her work centers around economic development — job creation, job growth, job training — and the impact that can have on an individual’s and a community’s success.

Beyond her professional career, she has a long track record of civic and volunteer engagement, including advocacy around school meals, service as a member of the public library’s Board of Trustees, and involvement in the PTA Council. A 2018 Everytown for Gun Safety-endorsed candidate, Ms McCabe will continue to fight for sensible gun safety legislation, stating that this is a top priority for most families she speaks with.

Ms McCabe also speaks passionately about the role of elected officials, stating that “government is only as good as the people in it.” Rather than join the chorus of “naysayers” who complain about Hartford, the state senate hopeful pledged to be a legislator who champions not only her constituents, but also the state.

Emphasizing the need to measure the success of elected officials, McCabe said, “It’s not how many events you show up to. That doesn’t show anything, except that you have time. It’s not how many photo opportunities you’ve elbowed your way to the middle of. That’s not how you demonstrate your impact or your success. It’s about pointing out all the ways that you listened to your constituents ... and you’ve thought about, ‘How can I make this state better for everybody?’ That’s where you show your worth. That’s where you show your value.

“Everything that I do and what I say is going to be consistent with the overarching theme that I want to make Connecticut a state where you feel wanted, and where you feel a valued part of our society and our neighborhood,” she added.

Second District Déjà Vu

Former Republican State Rep Mr Carter said in an advisory that he is hoping to earn back the 2nd Assembly District, which includes portions of Bethel, Danbury, Redding, and Newtown. Mr Carter was first elected to the 2nd district in 2010, and won re-election twice for a total of three two-year terms.

“Serving as a representative of my community in Hartford was a great honor and it’s is clear we need common sense in Hartford more than ever. While other parts of the country have enjoyed a robust economy, Connecticut continues to lag behind due to high taxes and poor fiscal policy,” said Mr Carter. “We need experienced, thoughtful representation, and with the support of my community I will be the advocate the people in the 2nd District rightfully deserve.”

Mr Carter previously worked with his fellow legislators in the House and Senate to support bipartisan legislation aimed at giving small businesses the assistance they need to grow and create jobs. He has also been very active in the fight against overspending, tax increases, and initiatives that inhibit job growth.

The former lawmaker, who also mounted an unsuccessful run for the US Senate against incumbent Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) has also engaged in a variety of other initiatives.

He led the effort in supporting the “Learn Here, Live Here” proposal which allows recent graduates of public institutions of higher education and vocational-technical high schools to set aside a portion of their state income tax liability to be used in a future down payment on their first home.

Mr Carter, an Air Force veteran, also worked to support veterans and police officers in the state, including sponsoring legislation to help veteran-owned small businesses.

During his time in the legislature, Rep Carter used his experience in healthcare to work with providers and patients across the state to improve healthcare and patient safety. He participated in crafting legislation to reduce opioid abuse, address new biologic products, and support the palliative use of medical cannabis.

Mr Carter served on the General Law, Education, Finance Revenue & Bonding, Public Health, Energy & Technology, and Banking committees. He was also a member of Aviation and Bioscience caucuses.

Learn more about Ms McCabe at michelleforct.com or find her on Twitter. Mr Carter told The Newtown Bee he is in the final stages of developing his web/social sites.