The state party needs a Gen Z member on its executive board in 2027

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By Chris Pettinella

Just over a week ago, Connecticut Republicans suffered a historic electoral defeat. In the State Senate, Republicans hold only 3 seats, the lowest since the modern 36-seat Senate was founded in 1941. In the State House, Republicans hold only 35 seats, the lowest since the modern 151-seat House was founded in 1972. Historically, the party holding the office of President is expected to suffer a midterm defeat, but in Connecticut, the midterm results point to an institutional failure deeper than national trends.

In 2024, young voters voted Republican in historic numbers; in 2026 they quickly swung back to the other side. Young voters rightfully responded to economic concerns, housing, and concern over their future. They feared that they wouldn't be able to compete for a job, pay off their egregious student debt, or own a home. On a national level, these fears were not abated; rather, promises were broken. In Connecticut, despite having the youngest statewide GOP candidate in the country, with an inspiring message, not connected to the toxic brand of national Republicans, he was not spared the margin of defeat seen across the nation. Clearly, Connecticut Republicans are not effectively communicating with this important constituency.

This trend is in large part due to the fact that our RTCs are dying. Members are fleeing across state lines for greener political pastures. Yet, just last Tuesday, we watched states like South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas flip blue. There is nowhere else left to run. 

There are young, motivated Gen-Z conservatives across our state. Yet, the vast majority are entirely unaware of what an RTC even is. We can be the party of the youth again. We can become the party of fresh and exciting new ideas again, but we cannot become that party with the same establishment political class.

If the State GOP wants to make themselves positively known and have a chance at winning again, they must deal my generation in. Not as a junior partner, but as a stakeholder with a real seat at the table. But what does this mean practically? Clearly, the state party’s executive board needs a Gen Z conservative on it in 2027. Not a YR or a CR chair who is consulted on an occasion, but a real Gen Z conservative, involved in politics, who lies outside of these traditional groups. Sitting in a real permanent position with real institutional say, and it needs to happen before the next election.

Politics has drastically changed; the question is, are we going to change with it? The Democrats effectively used social media and other digital platforms to propel candidates and spread their message in this past election. Simply, they are reaching voters we are not. 

I know this all too well; at 19 years old, I ran for a town office. I took a seat on the executive committee of my RTC. I co-founded a nonprofit to spike youth involvement in government. All while owning a business and pursuing a college degree. My generation is ambitious, and they want to get involved; they want to make a difference; they just do not know how to start.

Only 9 years ago, this was a purple state. A tied state senate and a nearly tied state house ensured that all Connecticut residents had a voice. We can give this party a path to victory in the coming years; we can protect our municipal seats, and we can claw back our legislative seats. But it has to occur with us, not without us.

Optimistically,

Chris Pettinella | Trumbull RTC 

Chris Pettinella is a Trumbull resident, small business owner, nonprofit co-founder, and Eagle Scout.

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