Democrat Iris Sanchez and Republican Jamie Vaughan Running in Special Election for State Representative

Democratic City Council member, Ald Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-3) and city Constable Jamie Vaughan (R) are running for State Representative in the January 6th special election to fill the vacancy in the 25th Assembly District.

The district is open after Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) was elected to the city’s top office earlier this month.

In Connecticut state legislative special elections, party nominations are done by party town committees or nominating conventions, depending on the district. There are no primaries in these special elections, so the decision of the town committees are the final decisions on party nominations in this election.

In statement Vaughan said that he was selected as the Republican nominee on November 24th.

Democrats gathered at the Diaspora Society on Saturday for their nomination, and they unanimously voted Iris Sanchez as their nominee.

After being chosen, Ald Sanchez thanked the Democratic Town Committee and other supporters for the confidence and trust they put in her. She thanked past legislators who have represented the 25th Assembly District for their service, including former Rep John Geragosian (D), currently a State Auditor of Public Accounts, and Mayor Sanchez. Ald Sanchez said that the election of Mayor Sanchez is an important moment for New Britain, noting that he is the first Puerto Rican Mayor of the city.

Ald Sanchez said she is running because the people of the district deserve a State Representative who knows the concerns of everyday people and a representative who fights for what families need.

As the district’s member of the State House of Representatives, Ald Sanchez said that she plans to focus on housing, quality education, public safety and infrastructure improvements to address street flooding.

*Photo by Dr Frank Gerratana. Jamie Vaughan is on the far right, along with other Constables being sworn in earlier this month.*

Vaughan ran for State Representative in 2024, but was defeated by Bobby Sanchez 3,614 to 1,543.

In a press statement posted online, Vaughan said that, “I’m running for the House of Representatives for a simple purpose, to be part of the effort to make our city and state affordable and safe for everyone. We need legislators who will be laser focused on reducing property taxes, tackling high electric bills, and making policy decisions that help the business community create jobs and opportunities for our city’s residents. I’m ready for that important mission.” He added that he has also served as a Veterans Commissioner.

But, in another recent online post, Vaughan struck a divisive tone. He posted an image including a quote that, “The gunman accused of shooting two National Guard members blocks from the White House the day before Thanksgiving is 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.” Vaughan reacted to the image by saying, “And there it is. We help them and this is how the repay us. Here is who shot our National Guardsman.”

In her nominating acceptance speech, Ald Sanchez talked about the need for steady leadership and compassion, saying, “Every person needs a strong voice at the Capitol.”