2 Democrats running for Hamden/New Haven state House seat

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Two Democrats are vying for an open Connecticut House seat in New Haven and Hamden in a race that displays some of the ideological differences within the party that sets the agenda at the state capitol.

Former New Haven alder Steven Winter is the endorsed Democratic candidate. He faces a challenge from Hamden legislative council member Abdul Osmanu.

For Osmanu, 22, the race presents a chance for someone of his generation and political persuasion to secure representation in the state legislature. Osmanu is aligned with democratic socialism, a political ideology that blends elements of socialism with democratic governance. The ideology has been popularized by politicians like Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

“The people of the state have kind of had enough in a way,” Osmanu said.

He argues that working class Connecticut residents will respond to his message because they want a new kind of “transformational” and “audacious” politics that are distinct from the more moderate ideology that has long defined state politics.

Among those “audacious” policies that Osmanu wants to advocate for are more ambitious measures to curb homelessness and increase Connecticut’s affordable housing stock.

Steven Winter emphasized many of the same priorities of those who identify with democratic socialism, including affordable housing, but does not describe himself as a democratic socialist. He said that collaborations between the public and private sector offer innovative solutions for pressing problems including increasing the housing supply.

As an example of public-private cooperation, Winter highlighted a 69-unit affordable housing project being built in his own neighborhood. The project utilizes both public and private financing and incorporates an innovative building product called mass timber — which is touted as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional steel and concrete construction. Winter serves as the director of climate and sustainability for the City of New Haven, a role that he said prepares him well for the job of state representative.

“I’ve shown in my time as a public servant that I am collaborative, I am responsive, effective and progressive,” Winter said.

Winter argues that his combined experience on the board of alders and working the city’s executive branch make him well-qualified to advocate for the Elm City in Hartford.

In addition to prioritizing housing, the two declared candidates in the 94th District also largely agree on the need for more resources to be directed toward Hamden and New Haven schools.

“I think if you talk to any of our neighbors, it’s about education,” Winter said. “Making sure our students have the resources, the teachers, the facilities that they need to succeed.”

Osmanu referenced budget cuts to education in Hamden.

“One of the real big issues for me is education,” Osmany said. “I think you know year after year, um, we see municipalities having to make really, really difficult tough decisions.”

The 94th District, which is represented by outgoing Rep. Robyn Porter (D), covers portions of New Haven including the Newhallville neighborhood. Porter has endorsed Osmanu in the race.

In New Haven, the district is bracketed on the west and east by Dixwell Avenue and Whitney Avenue, with its southern border running along a stretch of Elm Street. The district stretches north toward the Merritt Parkway and Putnam Avenue in Hamden.

Osmanu is gathering petition signatures in order to trigger an August primary against Winter. Any other candidate who enters the race would have to go through the petitioning process, as well.

Because he received the unanimous endorsement of delegates at the local party convention, Winter will automatically appear atop the primary ballot as the endorsed Democrat in the event Osmany or another candidate gathers enough signatures to trigger the primary. More than 300 signatures are required for a successful petition.

If the race does result in a primary, election day would be on Aug. 13, with a period of early voting Aug. 5-11.

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