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Gwen Samuel, the endorsed Independent candidate for Connecticut State Senate District 9, has formally requested a written ruling from the State Elections Enforcement Commission regarding her eligibility for funding through Connecticut’s Citizens’ Election Program.
Samuel is asking the Commission to explain how the program’s rules were applied to her in two separate 2026 campaigns: her former candidacy for Lieutenant Governor and her current campaign for State Senate.
“Everyday taxpayers should have a fair opportunity to compete for public office and represent their communities,” Samuel said. “Public service should not be limited to wealthy candidates, established political organizations, or those already protected by a powerful party structure.”
During her Lieutenant Governor campaign, Samuel was required to maintain a separate candidate committee but was informed that she could not independently qualify for a general-election CEP grant because funding was tied to the gubernatorial candidate.
In the State Senate District 9 race, Samuel was informed that her eligibility depended upon the percentage of votes received on the Independent Party line during the previous election. The candidate who occupied that line in 2024 was incumbent Democratic Senator Matt Lesser, who received the Independent Party’s cross-endorsement.
Samuel is questioning why an Independent candidate’s access to public financing should be determined by the past performance of a Democratic candidate over whom she had no control.
“I have been registered as an Independent for at least two years, yet my eligibility is not being measured by my own qualifying contributions, present voter support, or commitment to the Independent Party,” Samuel said. “Instead, it is being determined by another political party's candidate’s previous vote total. That raises legitimate questions about equal treatment and whether the rules reinforce major-party control.”
Samuel’s request asks SEEC to identify the specific statutes, regulations, policies, and prior rulings governing her eligibility. She is also requesting an explanation of any alternative way an Independent candidate may demonstrate present public support, including through qualifying contributions or petition signatures.
“Connecticut voters elected the current legislative supermajority, and I respect the voters’ decision,” Samuel said. “But no political majority stands above constitutional principles. A taxpayer-funded campaign program must be administered fairly and should not create questionable barriers that protect the political status quo.”
Samuel emphasized that the request is larger than her individual campaign.
“This is about whether working people, veterans, parents, small-business owners, young adults ages 18 and over, and community advocates have a meaningful opportunity to run for office against well-funded candidates and big government,” she said. “Taxpayers should not be required to finance a system that gives them an unequal chance to participate in their own representative government.”
Samuel has requested an expedited written response because the November 3, 2026 election is approaching. She has also asked SEEC to explain the procedures for seeking administrative reconsideration, a declaratory ruling, or judicial review.
Samuel is a United States Marine Corps veteran, longtime parent advocate, and endorsed Independent candidate seeking to represent the amazing taxpayers and voters of Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, and portions of Wethersfield in Connecticut State Senate District 9.
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