New Haven State Rep. Steve Winter has thrown his support behind Democratic gubernatorial challenger Josh Elliott — and a Hill Democratic ward committee has officially backed state rep challenger Eli Sabin. Those endorsements came in separate email announcements sent out on Wednesday evening an d Thursday morning. They took place just days before the state’s Democratic Party will be holding its convention in Hartford on Saturday to endorse candidates for a range of statewide offices, including governor. The New Haven Democratic Town Committee, meanwhile, will be hosting a separate meeting on Thursday, May 21, at the Betsy Ross Parish House on Kimberly Avenue to endorse candidates for each of New Haven’s state house seats. Winter, a former alder, is a first-term state representative for the 94th General Assembly District, which covers parts of New Haven and Hamden. He informed his constituents in a Wednesday email that — as a delegate at the upcoming state Democratic convention — he’ll cast his ballot for Elliott, a Hamden state representative running for governor, instead of for two-term incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont. “I’ve seen firsthand that Josh is both a leader and problem solver on the issues that matter most to our state,” Winter wrote. “With the deep challenges that face Connecticut and our district, we need a strong, progressive vision for investment and reform, and the pragmatism to make that vision real.” Winter continued: “Josh speaks directly to the need to reform Connecticut’s inequitable tax structure. Many of the issues facing our state — the burden of local property taxes, underinvestment in urban education and youth services, and tax relief for working families — can only be addressed through shifts in fiscal policy. “Josh has prioritized increased funding and support for underserved school districts. Districts like New Haven and Hamden need greater resources and instructional support to improve outcomes for students. One in six New Haven third graders is reading at grade. Greater state support and engagement to improve instruction is necessary to ensure that each child has a fair opportunity to learn and grow in our state.” Winter is the first elected official in New Haven to publicly voice their support for Elliott’s Democratic challenge to Lamont. Click here, here, here, and here to read about local support that Lamont has racked up over the months from New Haven Democrats and local labor unions alike. Meanwhile, in a separate email sent out Thursday morning by Leslie Radcliffe, the Ward 3 committee announced its official endorsement of Sabin for the 92nd district state house seat. Sabin, a former alder, is challenging 21-term incumbent Democrat Pat Dillon for the role. Also in the race is former Hamden Town Council member Justin Farmer. Radcliffe announced that the Ward 3 Democratic committee saw 41 votes of support for Sabin and 9 undecided votes. She wrote that Ward 3 Democratic Co-Chairs Sandra Pittman and Lisa Velasquez Torress led the process, beginning with a meeting on April 1 followed by a mini-cookout hosted at Pittman’s home that was attended by Dillon, Farmer, and Sabin. “I have a personal respect for State Rep. Dillon, which made this a difficult decision, but the committee evaluated the issues and spoke,” Pittman is quoted as saying in Thusday’s press release. “Let’s not make this personal — our responsibility is to do what is right for the community, and the committee believes Eli is the candidate to move Ward 3 forward and be sworn in as the next State Representative for the 92nd District.” “I’m excited for change, and I plan to work hard for Eli,” Velasquez Torres is quoted as saying in that same press release. “Ward 3 members took this process seriously, listened carefully, and made a choice based on the future they want for this community. We are ready to stand behind Eli Sabin and help move this campaign forward.” Click here to read about the Ward 26 Democratic committee’s vote to endorse Sabin earlier this month, and click here to read about Sabin’s recent campaign canvass in the Hill. In response to the Ward 3 Democratic committee announcement, Dillon campaign spokesperson Alannah Donehy sent the Independent the following comment: “While we are disappointed not to have earned the endorsement of the Ward 3 co-chairs, our campaign remains focused on reaching voters across the entire 92nd District, including Hill North. Pat’s record of accomplishment, deep community roots, and the trust she has earned with voters continue to resonate with residents in all neighborhoods.” The post Winter Endorses Elliott; Ward 3 Dems Back Sabin appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less