Ryan Fazio is running for Governor of Connecticut, but a closer look at his legislative record and campaign tactics reveals policies and actions that many voters may find concerning, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and campaign transparency.
Efforts to Increase ICE Cooperation
During the November 2025 special legislative session, Fazio raised two amendments attempting to weaken Connecticut's protections for undocumented immigrants. He proposed changing the state's Trust Act—which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—to expand the circumstances under which local police could turn individuals over to ICE. Furthermore, during a May 2026 debate, Fazio explicitly pledged to cooperate with ICE and to deny Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants.
Misleading Campaign Advertising
Transparency is a critical issue in Fazio's campaign. Recently, Fazio's campaign released an advertisement featuring a banner stating, "I'm a Democrat and I'm voting for Ryan Fazio." However, news outlets quickly uncovered that two of the voters featured prominently in that specific advertisement are, in fact, prominent Republicans. Critics have pointed to this as an intentionally deceptive tactic to mask his partisan affiliation.
Voting Record & Endorsements
Fazio's voting record in the State Senate aligns heavily with conservative priorities, despite Connecticut's moderate electorate. He holds a career 100% rating from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. While he frames himself as a fiscal conservative, organizations like the Democratic Governors Association have criticized his record, citing votes against funding public education and his alignment with the gun lobby, in addition to his stances on immigration.