Honig gets Democratic endorsement for 8th Senate, setting up rematch

TORRINGTON, CT – A rematch in Connecticut's 8th Senate District became official this week, with Democrat Paul Honig of Harwinton officially receiving the endorsement.

As a result, he will compete for the seat in November with incumbent state Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon. Seminara narrowly defeated Honig in 2022 and is seeking another term.

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On Tuesday Honig was unanimously confirmed as the Democratic nominee for the sprawling district, which was hosting its convention that day in Torrington.

The 8th Senate includes Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and parts of Torrington, Harwinton and Granby.

Honig, a former finance executive who is serving his third term on the Harwinton Board of Selectmen, first ran for the office in 2022.

Seeking a long-held Republican-controlled seat, Honig lost to Seminara in 2022 by a vote of 22,944 to 22,820.

“I believe that a government made up of people with shared values ​​and integrity can make a positive difference in people’s lives. And I share your values,” Honig said in a statement after the meeting at Bad Dog Brewing Co. in Torrington.

According to Honig, these “values” include: the growth of the economy; reducing housing, healthcare and energy costs; Defending a woman's right to make her own health decisions; and supporting police and gun safety.

Honig was nominated by Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis and his nomination was seconded by Colebrook First Selectman Brad Bremer.

“He has served the residents of Harwinton in the BOS, and now it is time for him to apply his public service experience and professional experience to a broader audience at the state level,” Mackstutis said in a statement.

“He cares about the future of our state and wants to do more to improve CT’s economy, our infrastructure, the environment, and improve the lives of all CT residents.”

Honig graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's dual management and technology program.

He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science with a concentration in Computer Science from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

He then began a 22-year career in fixed income financing.

In addition to being Harwinton's selectman, Honig is the treasurer of Region 10 Make A Mark, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that provides grants to students, teachers and administrators.

He is also treasurer and board member of his synagogue, Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation in Simsbury.

Honig was previously a math teacher and tutor for high school and middle school students.

He lives in Harwinton with a wife and two sons.

From January 16th: “Seminara seeks re-election in the 8th Senate”

From January 8th: “Democrat Honig Eyes Rematch for 8th Senate Seat”