The Connecticut General Assembly is expected to open its annual legislative session Wednesday with at least two vacancies created by the departures of Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, and Rep. Christine Conley, D-Groton. Kelly and Conley do not intend to take the oath for new 2025-2027 terms, anticipating gubernatorial nominations: Kelly as a judge of the Superior Court; and Conley as an administrative judge on the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Natalie Braswell, the governor’s general counsel, said Monday a final decision is expected Tuesday about the nominations, which have been under consideration since before Gov. Ned Lamont departed for a family holiday. If either take the oath of office Wednesday, they are barred from accepting a post in either the executive or legislative branches of government. Their resignations would necessitate special elections. Neither departure will tilt the balance of power. In November, Democrats won majorities of 25-11 in the Senate and 102-49 in the House. Kelly, who is a lawyer specializing in elder law, was forced out as the Senate Republican leader a year ago. Kelly’s seat in the 21st Senate District has been a safe one for Republicans for more than a decade. He was first elected in 2010 with 67% of the vote and reelected seven times. He was unopposed in 2012, 2020 and 2024. The district covers Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford. Conley, a deputy House majority leader, was elected in 2016 with 54% of the vote from the 40th House District of Groton and Ledyard. She has been reelected with comfortable margins four times, most recently with 64%. She is a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation.