Newcomers Tiffani McGinnis  and Olaleye Onikuyiden were declared the winners of their respective State House district races in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

By Mia Jaworski and Ronni Newton

The atmosphere was jubilant as national results of the midterm elections looked favorable for Democrats – who in West Hartford welcomed Tiffani McGinnis, representing the 18th State House District, and Olayleye Onikuyiden, representing the 19th District, Tuesday night at Tavern in the Square as polls closed.

Voters also re-elected incumbents Derek Slap (D) State Senate for District 5, Kate Farrar (D) for State House in the 20th District, Bobby Gibson (D) for the 15th District, James Sanchez in the 5th State House District, and Owen P. Egan (D) as the West Hartford Probate Judge. Registrars of Voters Elizabeth Rousseau (Democrat) and Beth Kyle (Republican) were also re-elected.

Representing West Hartford and Avon in the 19th District, Onikuyiden reflected on his upbringing in West Hartford, having attended Norfeldt Elementary School and King Philip Middle School before graduating from Hall High School in 2016. In his speech, he spoke about believing in things bigger than ourselves and bigger than individuals.

“Together we have to believe that we can give opportunities in a life of FDR; fairness, dignity and respect to all people, affordable homes, quality education, and access to opportunities,” Onikuyiden said.

Before being elected to represent the 18th State House District, McGinnis has served on the West Hartford Town Council since March 2023. She claimed victory over Philip Tummescheit in Tuesday’s election. In her election-night remarks, McGinnis spoke about her own difficult experiences and empathized with those who find themselves in similar situations today.

“I understand what it feels like to be in a very bad situation and leave and start over with a child. I understand what it feels like to not be able to pay your electric bill or to have to put food back when you’re in the line at the grocery store. I understand those things. 
And I will never forget how that felt,” McGinnis said. “There are so many people, people who have never struggled before in this country that are struggling right now.”

“Thank you to all of you who supported me throughout my campaign, and to all of you who came out to vote today,” Tummescheit, an 18-year-old who challenged McGinnis for the 18th District seat, said in a statement. “It’s wonderful to be in the U.S. and in Connecticut, where we have free and fair elections. I congratulate my opponent, Tiffani McGinnis, for winning the race for state representative of the 18th District. I join with the residents of West Hartford in wishing her all the best and good success as she represents us at the Capitol.”

Also in attendance at the Democratic celebration at Tavern in the Square was Tammy Exum, the 19th District’s outgoing representative, who was recognized by several candidates for her efforts during her time in office. Each expression of thanks and praise ended with a hug from Exum, who is completing her seventh year representing the 19th District before Onikuyiden takes over in January.

Slap, the incumbent, claimed a win in an uncontested race for Connecticut State Senate District 5, spoke to the crowd before the new members of the delegation, reflecting on the wave of excitement, new ideas and energy coming from candidates nationwide. He also used the theme of a wave to introduce how he and other members of the delegation plan to help residents through his ROAD acronym.

“R is for responsibilities for balancing the budget and protecting our safety net. The O is maybe for opportunity, for investing in education. A would probably be affordability and D is defending our democracy. But we are going to do it together. That is my promise to you,” Slap said.

As Slap gave his speech, the room erupted in applause and cheers as the television displaying election results showed the Georgia governor’s seat turning blue.

Along with the two new representatives, the evening brought victories for the statewide Democratic ticket – Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General William Tong, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Treasurer Erick Russell.

Luke Bronin, who defeated incumbent John Larson, as well as West Hartford state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest and Hartford attorney Ruth Fortune in the Democratic primary on Aug. 11, will represent Connecticut in the 1st Congressional District. 

Bronin, who defeated Republican Dr. Amy Chai and Green Party candidate Mary Sanders, declared victory just two hours after polls closed. 

“To everyone in this district – whether you voted for me or not, whether you live in Hartford or Hartland – here’s my promise: I’m going to wake up every morning thinking about you,” Bronin said. “I’ll show up. I’ll tell you the truth. I’ll listen. I’ll work my heart out to make your life and our country better.”

In the governor’s race, Ned Lamont claimed victory over Ryan Fazio.

CT NewsJunkie reported that the AP called the gubernatorial race in favor of Lamont just after 9:15 p.m., with less than 7% of the votes counted.

Lamont at 10:25 p.m., with 25% of the votes counted, had 208,671 (60%) to Fazio’s 140,346 (40%).

The totals have been calculated from Election Day ballots but will not be considered to have completed reporting until early voting and absentee votes have been included. These will be available on the Secretary of State website and will be included in an update to this story.

In West Hartford, all Democratic candidates received more than 70% of votes on Election Day. Final turnout was not available as of 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 4, but as of 4 p.m. Tuesday roughly 54% of voters had cast ballots.

With polls now closed, attention turns to the remaining statewide and national races, as results continue to come in and votes are counted across Connecticut and the country.

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