PROUDLY SERVING THE 16TH DISTRICT
State Senator Rob Sampson
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Rob Sampson, re-elected to a fourth term in 2024, represents Connecticut’s 16th District. He is the Ranking Member on the Government Administration & Elections Committee, the Housing Committee, and the Labor & Public Employees Committee. Rob is widely known as an advocate for America’s core principles, restoring our system of limited, representative, constitutional government, protecting private contracts and defending the natural rights of his constituents.
“I am honored to be chosen by the people of the 16th District as their voice at the State Capitol. I remain committed to defending our American principles of freedom, representation, limited constitutional self-government, and the rule of law. I believe that with hard work and our collective voices, Connecticut can become a safer and more affordable state with a bright future for all. As always, I will put in the hard work to make it happen.”
LATEST COLUMN
'As America Turns 250, Connecticut Families Are Being Left Behind' (May 2026)
As we approach the 250th anniversary as a nation, it should be a time to reflect on what has made America the greatest country in the world.
The Myth of Electability in Connecticut’s Governor’s Race
By State Sen. Rob Sampson
As Republicans decide who will carry our banner in the race for governor, one word is dominating the conversation: electability.
It is being repeated so often that it risks becoming accepted without question. But before we make a decision that will define our nominee and shape the direction of this race, we need to take a step back and ask what electability actually means.
You hear it constantly. Certain candidates are labeled as “the most electable” or even “the only one who can win.” But that claim deserves closer scrutiny, because it is not a fact. It is a narrative.
And like many political narratives, it does not hold up when examined carefully.
Electability is not about being less Republican. It is not about avoiding difficult issues or blurring distinctions. And it is certainly not about shifting positions depending on the moment.
Electability is about strength. It is about clarity. It is about competence. And it is about the ability to stand before voters, draw a clear contrast with the policies that have made Connecticut less affordable and less accountable, and win that argument.
In my years in public service, I have seen what works and what does not. Candidates who lack consistency, depth, or a clear governing philosophy may appear appealing in the early stages of a race. They may even be described as “safe.” But those weaknesses are quickly exposed in a general election, especially against a well-funded and disciplined opponent like Ned Lamont.
Voters are not looking for uncertainty. They are looking for leadership.
They want someone who understands the issues, who can articulate a clear vision, and who has the discipline to carry that message from the primary through the general election without wavering.
That is what real electability looks like.
It is also what real leadership requires.
If we are serious about changing the direction of Connecticut, we cannot afford to nominate candidates who treat core principles as optional or approach governance as an exercise in political convenience. That approach does not build trust, and it does not win tough elections.
We need a candidate who is prepared to lead on day one, not someone learning on the job.
We need a candidate who understands both policy and strategy, not just messaging.
And we need a candidate who can unite Republicans while also making a compelling case to independent voters and those who feel left behind by the current direction of our state.
That is why I have supported Ryan Fazio since the day he entered this race.
Ryan brings something rare to this moment.
He is principled and consistent. Voters know where he stands, and that builds trust.
He is exceptionally capable. He understands policy, strategy, and how to get results, even in a legislature where Republicans are outnumbered.
And just as importantly, he is a serious and thoughtful leader who is running for the right reasons.
Those qualities matter.
They are the difference between a campaign and a governing agenda. They are the difference between short-term appeal and long-term credibility. And they are the difference between competing in an election and winning one.
Ryan Fazio has already demonstrated his ability to connect with voters and build support in challenging political environments. He has done so not by running away from conservative principles, but by standing on them and making the case clearly and effectively.
That is why Ryan Fazio is the more electable choice for Connecticut Republicans.
He does not have to blur the lines to appeal to voters. He does not have to retreat from our principles to build support. He can make the case for those principles in a way that is thoughtful, confident, and persuasive.
That is how you win in Connecticut.
More importantly, that is how you begin to rebuild a broader Republican coalition. Not by watering down what we believe, but by presenting those beliefs with clarity, confidence, and competence.
This race is about more than one election cycle. It is about whether we can restore trust in leadership and offer a meaningful alternative to the policies that have made life more difficult for so many Connecticut families.
If we want to win and actually change the direction of this state, we need to be honest about what electability really means.
It is not about being weaker.
It is about being stronger than your opponent.
Ryan Fazio is that candidate.
I enjoyed attending the ribbon cutting at Circular Services in Southington yesterday and learning more about the important work being done to turn organic waste into mulch and energy.
This is a great step forward for both Southington and Connecticut, finding innovative ways to reduce waste while creating useful resources and energy right here in our state.
Thank you for the invite and to everyone involved, especially for the work being done to support a cleaner and more sustainable future!
After confirmed cases of absentee ballot fraud in Bridgeport, Democrats continue to vote against measures that would secure our elections, such as requiring voters to show an ID when casting their ballot. CT Republicans will continue to fight for voter ID and more common sense laws to protect your voting rights and ensure fair elections.