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HARTFORD – Citing unacceptable electric rate increases and deep concerns over political deal-making, Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott), joined fellow Senate Republicans today in a principled boycott of the vote to reconfirm Marissa Gillett to a second term as Chair of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
“Connecticut already suffers from some of the highest electric rates in the nation, and the confirmation of a regulator who has overseen those increases sends exactly the wrong message to struggling residents,” said Sen. Sampson. “Instead of addressing the real issue—affordability—Democrats continue to rubber-stamp the very policies and people that got us here.”
Senate Republicans objected to the highly questionable process that led to her reappointment vote. Reports indicate that Gillett’s nomination would have failed in committee, but was saved by a sudden reversal from a Democratic senator who had previously opposed her. That reversal occurred just as news broke that the same senator was being considered for a future appointment to PURA.
“This is exactly the kind of political maneuvering that erodes public trust,” said Sen. Sampson. “We need transparency and integrity in government—not backroom deals that reek of self-interest. I was happy to stand with my colleagues to clearly state that we will not legitimize this process by participating in it.”
Sen. Sampson has led the fight to bring relief to utility customers, championing Senate Bill 647, the Senate Republican energy plan that would remove the Public Benefits charge and lower energy bills statewide. Democrats allowed the bill to receive a public hearing but refused to advance it for debate or a vote.
“Today’s action was more than symbolic—it was a statement against corruption, high electric rates, and a system that puts politics before people,” Sen. Sampson added. “The people of Connecticut deserve better.”
Senate Republicans are calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the nomination process, including any potential ethics violations or criminal conduct.
Today, in an unprecedented move, the Senate Republican Caucus stood up for the people of Connecticut by walking out of the Senate Chamber to boycott the vote to re-nominate PURA Commissioner Marissa Gillett.
— CT Senate Republicans (@CTSenateGOP) April 15, 2025
The move by the Senate Republican Caucus is in response to a "backroom… pic.twitter.com/2geRHiTBRn
