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Republican Party primaries in Connecticut, 2018

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Republican Party primaries, 2018
Connecticut Republican Party.png
Primary Date
August 14, 2018
Federal elections
Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Republican primaries for U.S. House
State elections
Republican primaries for Connecticut legislature
Republican primary for governor
Republican primary for lieutenant governor
Republican primary for attorney general
Republican primary for secretary of state
State party
Republican Party of Connecticut
State political party revenue

Primary elections—in which registered voters select a candidate whom they believe should run on the party's ticket in the general election—can reflect internal conflict over the direction of a party.

Heading into the 2018 election, the Republican Party's legislative record during Donald Trump’s presidency figured into several Republican primaries. This record included the passage of major tax legislation in December 2017 and the confirmation of federal judges. It also included a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill in March 2018, which Trump opposed, and unsuccessful efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.[1][2]

Trump, himself, also played a role in Republican primaries. His approval rating reached 90% in June among self-described Republicans, according to a Gallup survey.[3] Many Republican candidates campaigned on their support for Trump, and negative ads accusing opponents of criticizing the president were common.[4][5][6] A May report found Trump's name or image had appeared in 37% of all Republican campaign ads at that point in 2018.[7]

This page focuses on the Republican primaries that took place in Connecticut on August 14, 2018. In addition, the page provides context for understanding the state party apparatus.

Battleground primaries

Battleground elections are those that Ballotpedia expected would either be more competitive than other races or attract significant national attention.

Federal elections

U.S. Senate

See also: United States Senate election in Connecticut (August 14, 2018 Republican primary)
Although incumbent Sen. Chris Murphy (D) was expected to succeed in his re-election bid—a Republican has not represented Connecticut in the Senate since 1989—two Republicans ran for the seat. One contender, Dominic Rapini, said that President Donald Trump's performance in the 2016 presidential election inspired him to run for the seat, which has been solidly blue for decades. "It showed me the possibilities. The time is right," Rapini said.[8] He reported $26,775 cash on hand at the end of the second quarter of 2017.[9] To see a full list of candidates in the Republican primary, click "Show more" below.
Show more
Republican Party Republican primary candidates

U.S. House

See also: United States House elections in Connecticut (August 14, 2018 Republican primaries)
The 2018 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Connecticut took place on November 6, 2018. Voters elected five candidates to serve in the U.S. House, one from each of the state's five congressional districts. In 2017, the NRCC identified Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District as a targeted race. To see a full list of candidates in the Republican primaries, click "Show more" below.
Show more

District 1

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

The Republican Party primary was canceled. No candidates filed for this race.

    District 2

    Republican Party Republican primary candidates

    The Republican Party primary was canceled. No candidates filed for this race.


      Did not make the ballot:

      District 3

      Republican Party Republican primary candidates

      This primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:

      District 4

      Republican Party Republican primary candidates

      The Republican Party primary was canceled. No candidates filed for this race.

        District 5

        Republican Party Republican primary candidates


        Did not make the ballot:

        State elections

        Connecticut Party Control: 1992-2025
        Fifteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
        Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

        Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
        Governor I I I R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
        Senate D D D R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
        House D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

        Gubernatorial election

        See also: Connecticut gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 14 Republican primary)
        See also: Connecticut gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 14 Republican primary)

        Republican Party Republican primary candidates


        Did not make the ballot:

        Lieutenant gubernatorial election

        See also: Connecticut lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 14 Republican primary)

        Republican Party Republican primary candidates


        Did not make the ballot:

        Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

        Attorney general election

        See also: Connecticut Attorney General election, 2018 (August 14 Republican primary)

        Republican Party Republican primary candidates

        Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

        Secretary of state election

        See also: Connecticut Secretary of State election, 2018 (August 14 Republican primary)

        Republican Party Republican primary candidates

        The Republican Party primary was canceled. No candidates filed for this race.

          State party overview

          See also: Republican Party of Connecticut
          Connecticut Republican Party.png


          State political party revenue

          See also: State political party revenue and State political party revenue per capita

          State political parties typically deposit revenue in separate state and federal accounts in order to comply with state and federal campaign finance laws. The following table displays the Republican Party of Connecticut's revenue over a six-year period from 2011 to 2016. Revenue totals are broken down by account type and year. The data was compiled through publicly available state and federal campaign finance reports.

          Republican Party of Connecticut revenue, 2011 to 2016[10][11]
          Year Federal account State account(s) Total
          2011 $486,945.95 $95,560.29 $582,506.24
          2012 $834,513.49 $109,366.32 $943,879.81
          2013 $467,759.32 $111,949.53 $579,708.85
          2014 $933,299.90 $960,338.24 $1,893,638.14
          2015 $413,420.75 $97,836.83 $511,257.58
          2016 $2,059,435.72 $190,092.36 $2,249,528.08

          Connecticut compared to other states

          The Democratic Party and the Republican Party maintain state affiliates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and select U.S. territories. The following maps display total state political party revenue per capita for the Democratic and Republican state party affiliates from 2011 to 2016. The blue map displays Democratic state parties and the red map displays Republican state parties. Click on a state below to view the state party's revenue per capita totals:

          Total Democratic and Republican state political party revenue per capita in the United States, 2011-2016

          Primary election scheduling

          Connecticut was one of four states to hold a primary election on August 14, 2018.

          Voter information

          How the primary works

          A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate whom they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Connecticut utilizes a closed primary system, in which only registered party members may vote in a party's primary. However, Connecticut state law allows parties to decide whether unaffiliated voters can vote in their primary before each election.[12][13][14]

          For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

          Poll times

          In Connecticut, all polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Election Day. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[15]

          Registration requirements

          Check your voter registration status here.

          To vote in Connecticut, one must be a U.S. citizen and Connecticut resident who is at least 17 years-old and will be 18 on or before Election Day.[16]

          Registration applications can be submitted online or completed via paper forms. The deadline for mail-in applications is 18 days before an election or primary, while same-day registration is available but must be completed at designated election-day registration locations in each town.[17]

          Automatic registration

          Connecticut automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

          Online registration

          See also: Online voter registration

          Connecticut has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

          Same-day registration

          Connecticut allows same-day voter registration.

          Residency requirements

          To register to vote in Connecticut, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible.

          Verification of citizenship

          See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

          Connecticut does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, if you knowingly providing false information, "you can be convicted and imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to $5,000."[18]

          All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.[19] Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

          Verifying your registration

          The site Voter Registration Lookup, run by the Connecticut Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

          Voter ID requirements

          Connecticut requires voters to present non-photo identification while voting.[20] A voter who does not present a required ID may sign an affidavit with their name, address, and date of birth, and then election officials may determine that the voter is eligible to vote.[21]

          The following list of accepted ID was current as of July 2024. Click here for the Connecticut Secretary of State's page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

          First-time voters who registered by mail must present one of the following forms of identification to vote in an election with federal candidates on the ballot:

          • Copy of a current and valid photo identification with the voter’s name and address, or
          • Copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows the voter’s name and address.

          Other voters must present one of the following forms of identification:

          • Any re-printed form of identification that shows the voter's name and address, name and signature, or name and photograph.
          • Social security card.

          Early voting

          Connecticut permits early voting. Learn more by visiting this website.

          Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed Public Act 23-5 into law on June 7, 2023. The law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, implemented in-person early voting for elections occurring after January 1, 2024.[22] The length of the early voting period varies based on the type of election. Fourteen days of early voting are required for general elections, seven days are required for most primaries, and four days are required for special elections and presidential preference primaries. Each municipality was required to establish at least one early voting location.[23]

          In 2022, Connecticut voters approved a legislatively referred constitutional amendment allowing the Connecticut General Assembly to pass laws providing for in-person early voting.

          Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.

          Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia permit no-excuse early voting.

          Absentee voting

          Connecticut voters are eligible to vote absentee/by-mail in an election if they cannot make it to the polls on election day for one of the following reasons:[24]

          • Active military service
          • Absence from town of residence during voting hours
          • Illness or physical disability, or role as a caregiver to another individual with illness or disability
          • Religious beliefs precluding secular activity on election day
          • Performance of duties as an election official at a different polling place during voting hours

          To request an absentee/mail-in ballot, a voter may complete and sign an application and return it to their town clerk, or complete an online application. Voters requesting an absentee/mail-in ballot within six days of an election must complete an emergency application.[24]

          An absentee ballot must be returned either in person by close of business the day before the election or by mail. If returned by mail, the ballot must be received by close of polls on election day.[24]


          Pivot Counties

          See also: Pivot Counties by state

          One of eight Connecticut counties—12.5 percent—is a Pivot County. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

          Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
          County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
          Windham County, Connecticut 7.78% 13.28% 14.68%

          In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won Connecticut with 54.6 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 40.9 percent. In presidential elections between 1900 and 2016, Connecticut voted Republican 53.33 percent of the time and Democratic 46.67 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Connecticut voted Democratic all five times.

          Presidential results by legislative district

          The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Connecticut. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[25][26]

          In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 120 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 30.3 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 105 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 30.9 points. Clinton won 32 districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
          In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 31 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 8.6 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 46 out of 151 state House districts in Connecticut with an average margin of victory of 11.6 points. Trump won seven districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.

          See also

          Federal primaries in Connecticut State primaries in Connecticut Connecticut state party apparatus Connecticut voter information
          CongressLogo.png
          Flag of Connecticut.png
          Seal of Connecticut.png
          Election Policy Logo.png

          Footnotes

          1. ↑ ‘’National Review’’, “Trump Is Not Blameless in the Spending-Bill Disaster,” March 28, 2018
          2. ↑ The New York Times, "A New Guide to the Republican Herd," August 26, 2012
          3. ↑ Gallup, "Trump Job Approval Slips Back to 41%," June 25, 2018
          4. ↑ Daily Commercial, "Trump hurdle looms large in Florida GOP governor primary," July 30, 2018
          5. ↑ Daily Commercial, "These 2018 Primaries Are Worth Watching," July 25, 2018
          6. ↑ Washington Post, "Republican primary candidates have one goal: Securing Trump’s endorsement or denying it to an opponent," July 25, 2018
          7. ↑ USA Today, "Donald Trump once divided Republicans; ads for midterms signal that's no longer true," May 17, 2018
          8. ↑ Connecticut Post, "Like Trump, GOP Senate challenger looks to disprove the pundits," August 15, 2017
          9. ↑ FEC, "2018 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Connecticut," accessed October 5, 2017
          10. ↑ Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, "SEEC Campaign Reporting Information System (eCRIS)," accessed May 2016 (Search terms Connecticut Republican SCC, Connecticut Republican Party, and Democratic State Central Committee)
          11. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Candidate and Committee Viewer," accessed May 2016 (Search terms Connecticut Republican SCC, Connecticut Republican Party, and Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee)
          12. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed July 23, 2024
          13. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Major Party Nominating Procedures in States With Conventions," accessed July 23, 2024
          14. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-431," accessed July 23, 2024
          15. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-174," accessed July 23, 2024
          16. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of the State, "Voting Eligibility," accessed July 23, 2024
          17. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State, "Election Day Registration," accessed July 23, 2024
          18. ↑ Office of the Secretary of the State, "State of Connecticut Mail-in Voter Registration," accessed November 1, 2024
          19. ↑ Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
          20. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State, "FAQ Voter ID," accessed July 23, 2024
          21. ↑ General Statutes of Connecticut, "Sections 9-261," accessed November 1, 2024
          22. ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Public Act No. 23-5," June 7, 2023
          23. ↑ State of Connecticut, "Governor Lamont Signs Legislation Establishing Early Voting in Connecticut Elections and Primaries," June 7, 2023
          24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Connecticut Secretary of the State, "Absentee Voting Information," accessed July 23, 2024
          25. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
          26. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
          v • e
          Party primaries by state, 2018
          Republican primaries, 2018
          Democratic primaries, 2018
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