Ryan Fazio

Ryan Fazio is an American businessman and politician currently serving as a member of the Connecticut State Senate, representing the 36th district. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected to the Senate in 2021, following the resignation of Democratic Senator Alexandra Kasser. Fazio has since been re-elected in both 2022 and 2024. In addition to his legislative role, he is the Republican nominee for Governor of Connecticut in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, having secured his nomination at the Connecticut Republican state convention.

Early life and career

Ryan Fazio was born on March 27, 1990, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to parents Michael and Madeline Fazio. His father, Michael A. Fazio, has had a distinguished career as a long-term partner at Arthur Andersen, LLP and as a managing director at Houlihan Lokey. Fazio's heritage includes Italian descent, which has shaped his identity and community connections. He spent his formative years in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he attended Greenwich High School, graduating in 2008. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 2012.

Fazio's professional background is primarily in the commodities industry, where he has focused on renewable fuels and agriculture. His career has evolved into a role as a financial advisor, allowing him to leverage his educational background in economics to assist clients in navigating financial markets and investment opportunities.

Legislative service

Fazio's political career began at the local level when he was elected to the Greenwich representative town meeting. His entry into the state Senate came in August 2021, when he won a special election to fill the seat for the 36th district, which had been vacated by Alexandra Kasser. His victory was significant, as it ended the Democratic supermajority in the Connecticut State Senate. Fazio's electoral success continued with re-elections in 2022 and 2024, where he faced Democratic challengers Trevor Crow and Nick Simmons, respectively. His campaigns have been characterized by high levels of financial investment, making them some of the most expensive State Senate races in Connecticut's history.

In addition to his legislative duties, Fazio has taken on leadership roles, including serving as the Ranking Senator of the state’s Energy & Technology Committee. His position has allowed him to influence energy policy and advocate for changes in how energy costs are communicated to consumers. Fazio's legislative work has included co-authoring significant bills aimed at increasing transparency in utility billing and addressing the costs associated with state-mandated energy programs.

Policy focus and district

Fazio's policy focus is broad, encompassing energy, fiscal responsibility, and social issues. As a prominent figure in energy policy, he has been critical of existing state policies and has advocated for reforms aimed at reducing costs for consumers. In 2023, he co-authored legislation that required electric utilities to itemize public benefits charges on customer bills, thereby enhancing transparency regarding the costs of various state-mandated energy and environmental programs. This initiative reflects his commitment to ensuring that residents are informed about the charges they incur and the programs funded by these charges.

In addition to transparency in energy billing, Fazio has proposed legislation to eliminate public benefits charges from energy bills, advocating for alternative funding methods through the state budget. His proposals have sparked debate, attracting both support from Republican legislators and opposition from progressive environmental groups. In 2025, he co-authored another significant piece of legislation that aimed to reduce public benefits charges by over $100 million annually, although it did not fully eliminate the substantial costs associated with these programs.

Fazio's fiscal conservatism is evident in his approach to taxation and state spending. He has consistently supported tax cuts and opposed significant increases in state spending. His voting record has earned him a perfect rating from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, reflecting his alignment with pro-business policies. He introduced a tax plan that proposed a 1.5 percentage-point income tax cut for middle-income households, funded by reducing tax expenditures and state bonding. Additionally, he has advocated for a property tax cap, aiming to limit annual increases to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, similar to existing laws in Massachusetts.

On social issues, Fazio has expressed his support for maintaining the legality of abortion in Connecticut. He has participated in legislative votes concerning abortion-related bills, including a vote against a measure that would allow certain medical procedures to be performed by midwives or nurses without a doctor present, citing concerns about the standard of care for women.

As he prepares for the 2026 gubernatorial election, Fazio's political trajectory continues to evolve. He has positioned himself as a candidate focused on fiscal responsibility and transparency in government. His nomination as the Republican candidate for governor reflects his growing influence within the party and his commitment to addressing the challenges facing Connecticut. Fazio's campaign is expected to center on key issues such as energy policy, taxation, and government spending, as he seeks to appeal to a broad electorate in the upcoming election.