These Connecticut candidates are receiving government funds for their campaigns

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — More than a dozen legislative candidates will individually receive thousands in government funds for their campaigns in Connecticut, according to data released on Wednesday.

The latest round of public grants, approved Wednesday from the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, are through the Citizens’ Election Program. The program hopes to reduce what it calls the influence of “special interests” in state races.

Candidates who reach certain fundraising benchmarks can apply to receive full public financing. The full general election grant for a Connecticut House of Representative candidate is $36,600. The full general election grant for a Connecticut Senate representative is $124,100.

Prospective representatives must raise $5,800 from at least 150 people in their district to qualify for the grants. Senate candidates have to raise $17,300 from at least 300 people in their districts. Donations must be less than $320 per person, and contributions from state contractors or PACs are banned.

The primary is on Aug. 13, and the general election will be held on Nov. 5

The following candidates will receive funds.

Connecticut House of Representatives:

Devin Carney

Party: Republican

Race: District 23 (Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook)

Savet Constatine

Party: Democrat

Race: District 42 (Wilton, New Canaan, Ridgefield)

Lisa Deane

Party: Republican

Race: District 101 (Madison, Durham)

Mark DeCaprio

Party: Republican

Race: District 48 (Colchester, Windham, Lebanon, Mansfield)

Michelle Embree

Party: Democrat

Race: District 106 (Newtown)

Craig Fishbein

Party: Republican

Race: District 90 (Middlefield, Wallingford)

Kim Healy

Party: Republican

Race: District 42 (Wilton, New Canaan, Ridgefield)

Cinzia Lettieri

Party: Democrat

Race: District 35 (Clinton, Killingworth, Westbrook)

Geoffrey Luxenberg

Party: Democrat

Race: District 12 (Manchester)

Kaitlyn Shake

Party: Democrat

Race: District 120 (Stratford)

Ethan Werstler

Party: Democrat

Race: District 52 (Stafford, Somers)

Kerry Wood

Party: Democrat

Race: District 29 (Rocky Hill, Wethersfield)

David Yaccarino

Party: Republican

Race: District 87 (North Haven)

Connecticut Senate:

Christine Cohen

Party: Democrat

Race: District 12 (Branford, North Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison)

Stephen Harding

Party: Republican

Race: District 30 (Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Winchester, Warren, Torrington)

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