House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero Jr. (R-Norwalk) has decided not to seek re-election in the fall and announced today that he retire at the end of the term.
Cafero made the announcement on the floor or the House on Wednesday afternoon and said the state Legislature has made him a better person.
There was a bipartisan show of support and he received a standing ovation.
NORWALK, CT – Today issued the following statement in response to news that his fellow Norwalk legislator, Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr., does not plan to seek re-election this fall.
"It is with a great deal of sadness that I heard Larry Cafero won't seek re-election this fall. Larry is my friend and someone who I'm going to miss,” State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said in a statement. “We maybe from different political parties, but that never stopped us from coming together on issues that were right for our state and important to Norwalk. He is someone who I respect and so do Norwalk's voters, who've returned him to office many times.”
Gov. Dannel Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman also released statements about Cafero’s decision.
“During his 22 years serving in the House of Representatives, Larry Cafero has consistently been one of the most passionate and energetic voices at the State Capitol,” Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, said. “He has fought hard for his constituents year in and year out, and he’s done it with character and good humor. I’m proud to have worked with him across the aisle on critical issues like job growth, improving Connecticut schools, and making our state a safer place to work and live. Aside from being a colleague, he’s become a friend, and I wish him, his wife Barbara, and their children the very best.”
Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman called Cafero is an “institution” in the General Assembly.
“His leadership, quick wit, and good heart will be greatly missed. I was a State Representative when he was elected — from day one he has vigorously represented his district and been a strong advocate for his constituents. For more than two decades, Representative Cafero has been generous of his time and expertise in encouraging Connecticut to be a better, stronger state,” Wyman said in a statement.
