Republican delegates from Greenwich, North Stamford, and New Canaan convened in Greenwich Town Hall on Tuesday evening and unanimously nominated Joe Kelly as their candidate to represent the 36th District in the Connecticut State Senate.
Mr. kelly is running to replace State Senator Ryan Fazio, also a Republican, who is vacating the seat to challenge incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont.
Fazio took to the floor to nominate Kelly.
“Representing this state Senate district — my home district — has been the honor of a lifetime, and stepping away to run for another office was a very difficult and bittersweet decision,” Fazio said. “But it was made so much easier by the fact that there was a great candidate to step into these shoes in Joe Kelly.“
“Joe Kelly puts community ahead of politics. He always gives of himself to others and puts others first. He builds bridges at a time that our state and our country needs more bridge-building in politics and government. Joe is a community servant more than anything else,” Fazio said, adding, at Kelly “will make a magnificent leader in the form of our next state senator.“
New Canaan First Selectman Dionna Carlson was on hand to second the nomination, saying, “It is my great privilege to second the nomination of a man whose life has been defined by leadership, service, and the ability to bring people together in pursuit of common goals and an unwavering commitment to the people of the 36th District, Joe Kelly.”
“Joe understands that good government is not about winning the arguments; it’s about bringing disparate voices together to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our community and protect taxpayers,” said Carlson. “Joe Kelly is a leader people trust, because he respects every seat at the table. He knows how to unite business leaders and working families, educators and taxpayers, longtime residents, and new generations around shared priorities and practical results.”
Carlson finished on a personal note: “And behind this service is a remarkable family. Joe and his wife, Jill, raised four children and opened their home to three foster children. Together, they have lived a life grounded in faith, compassion, and community. At a time when politics too often divides us, Joe Kelly represents something better: steady leadership, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to bring people together to get things done.“
Kelly said he was “honored and humbled by the unanimous support of the delegates from Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan.”
“The 36th District has been represented by some of Connecticut’s finest public servants — Florence Finney, Mike Morano, Bill Nickerson, Scott Frantz, and our next governor, Ryan Fazio — and I do not take that legacy lightly. To be entrusted with carrying that tradition forward is both a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous opportunity,” the nominee said.
“I have always been someone my family, friends, teammates, coworkers, and constituents could trust and count on,” Joe added. “My work ethic and loyalty is what I am ready to bring to Hartford, to fight for the policy that make the 36th District one of the best places in Connecticut to live, work, and raise a family.”
Joe Kelly is the founder and CEO of Uranium Markets. After building and operating a successful business, Joe is dedicating himself to giving back to his community. Through roles such as coaching youth sports, serving on the Board of Education, and participating in local civic and volunteer efforts, his approach reflects a belief that leadership starts with being present and accessible to the people you serve. This commitment is evident in Joe’s political outreach during his Connecticut State Senate campaign, as he shows up where it matters most: schools, youth programs, and town government. Whether in athletics, education, or local boards, Joe’s focus is on building systems where more people can contribute, lead, and feel responsible for outcomes. He works for stronger programs, more engaged families, and a community that is actively involved in shaping its own direction.