HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Two Democrats are vying for an open Connecticut House seat in New Haven and Hamden in a race that shows some of the ideological differences within the agenda-setting party in the state Capitol.
Former New Haven Councilman Steven Winter is the endorsed Democratic candidate. He faces a challenge from Hamden Legislative Council member Abdul Osmanu.
For Osmanu, 22, the race presents an opportunity for someone of his generation and political persuasion to secure representation in the state legislature. Osmanu is aligned with democratic socialism, a political ideology that combines elements of socialism with democratic governance. The ideology has been popularized by politicians such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
“The people of the state in some ways have had enough,” Osmanu said.
He maintains that working-class Connecticut residents will respond to his message because they want a “transformative” and “bold” new type of politics that is distinct from the more moderate ideology that has long defined state politics.
Among those “bold” policies Osmanu wants to champion are more ambitious measures to curb homelessness and increase the affordable housing stock in Connecticut.
Steven Winter emphasized many of the same priorities of those who identify with democratic socialism, including affordable housing, but he does not describe himself as a democratic socialist. He said public-private partnerships offer innovative solutions to pressing problems, including increasing housing supply.
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As an example of public-private cooperation, Winter highlighted a 69-unit affordable housing project being built in his own neighborhood. The project uses public and private financing and incorporates an innovative construction product called mass timber, which is promoted as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional steel and concrete construction. Winter serves as climate and sustainability director for the city of New Haven, a role he said prepares him well for the job of state representative.
“I have demonstrated in my time as a public servant that I am collaborative, responsive, effective and progressive,” Winter said.
Winter maintains that his combined experience on the board of aldermen and working in the city’s executive branch qualifies him well to advocate for Elm City in Hartford.
In addition to prioritizing housing, the two declared candidates in District 94 also largely agree on the need to put more resources into Hamden and New Haven schools.
“I think if you talk to any of our neighbors, it’s about education,” Winter said. “Ensuring our students have the resources, teachers and facilities they need to be successful.”
Osmanu referenced budget cuts to education in Hamden.
“One of the big problems for me is education,” Osmany said. “I think year after year we see municipalities having to make really difficult and difficult decisions.”
District 94, represented by outgoing Rep. Robyn Porter (D), covers parts of New Haven, including the Newhallville neighborhood. Porter has endorsed Osmanu in the race.
In New Haven, the district is bounded on the west and east by Dixwell Avenue and Whitney Avenue, with its southern boundary along a stretch of Elm Street. The district extends north toward Merritt Parkway and Putnam Avenue in Hamden.
Osmanu is gathering signatures for a petition to trigger an August primary against Winter. Any other candidates entering the race would also have to go through the petition process.
Because he received the unanimous endorsement of delegates at the local party convention, Winter will automatically appear at the top of the primary ballot as the endorsed Democrat should Osmany or another candidate gather enough signatures to start the primary. More than 300 signatures are required for a petition to be successful.
If the race results in a primary, Election Day would be Aug. 13, with an early voting period from Aug. 5-11.
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