Bob Stefanowski is the projected GOP nominee for Connecticut governor over a large field of opponents.
The Madison resident has run an unconventional campaign in the land of steady habits. He bypassed participating in the party’s nominating convention back in May, has been running television ads since the start of the year, and is funding his campaign through private donations and with his own money as opposed to applying for the Citizens Election Program.
"So I think it’s fair to say this campaigns been underestimated from the start," Stefanowski said at a victory speech Tuesday night. "I don’t think anybody really thought we’d be standing up here right now. But we proved them wrong and we’re going to prove them wrong when we beat Ned Lamont in November."
Endorsed Republican, Danbury’s Mayor Mark Boughton, as well as former hedge fund manager David Stemerman, former Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, and tech entrepreneur Steve Obsitnik all conceded to Stefanowski Tuesday night.
Stefanowski described his competitors as "tough" and "terrific guys" to go up against.
“I look forward to reaching out to them over the next couple days and getting their views on how to beat the Democrats this fall," he said.
Stefanowski said the state needs tax relief, and he has the boldest effort in the field of Republicans looking to become governor. He said he can scale back the income tax over the next eight years, ending with a phase-out.
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“I learned that to save our state we have to defend core Republican values of smaller government with less interference in our lives, lower taxes, greater personal responsibility and the highest moral and ethical standards possible," Stefanowski said of his time so far on the campaign trail.
Stefanowski will face Democratic candidate Ned Lamont in the November general election.