Connecticut voters head to the polls on Tuesday, with the state’s next governor hanging in the balance as incumbent Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont faces Republican challenger and state Sen. Ryan Fazio, WFSB reported. Polls open across the state at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Affordability Takes Center Stage at the Ballot Box
For months, the campaign trail has revolved around a single, pressing worry for residents. Affordability emerged as the chief issue among voters. Recent polls conducted by Sacred Heart University, WFSB, and CT Insider gave the edge to Lamont, putting the incumbent ahead of Fazio 53.4 percent to 31.1 percent among registered voters.
That polling gap has not slowed down the candidates’ closing arguments. Lamont’s campaign plans to set up shop on Election Day at Dunkin’ Stadium in Hartford. The governor has said he is happy with what he is seeing in his campaign and the recent polls, though he added he won’t be confident until Wednesday morning.
Down in Greenwich, Fazio maintained a defiant stance for Tuesday. He said he still thinks he is going to shock the state, despite prediction markets on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket showing him as an underdog to Lamont with almost no shot of winning.
Flashpoints Over Taxes, Energy Bills, and Past Debates
The contrast between the two candidates came into sharp focus during an hourlong debate hosted by WFSB-TV Channel 3 and CT Insider in Rocky Hill on October 22, 2026. Moderated by Erin Connolly alongside CT Insider senior editor and columnist Dan Haar and WFSB chief political reporter Susan Raff, the candidates sparred over electric rates, taxes, and the broad issue of affordability in Connecticut.
Fazio promised to become a bipartisan leader who would work to reduce taxes and electric bills.
He also pointed to external pressures, including COVID-19, Trump’s tariffs, and war on Iran, driving up costs for everybody, while arguing that his administration successfully transformed the state economy from one of the slowest-growing in the nation to one of the fastest.
Following the Returns
With voting hours winding down at 8 p.m., WFSB will have live coverage of the race all day. Voters and political watchers can refresh local updates and stream coverage via WFSB+.
