Connecticrats: The CT Dems Podcast

One month into Trump version 2, and we take stock of where the country stands, who's doing what, and how you can help. Attorney General William Tong joins to shed light on the legal battle against the administration's lawlessness. Available as video at YouTube.com/@CTDems. Link to our 2025 Activist Guide: ctdems.org/guide

How did the election go? Well, it matters WHICH election you're asking about. The most important one went badly in the swing states, and therefore the nation. But in CT, we more than held our own, and even made impressive gains. Armin Thomas, partner and cofounder of split-ticket.org, joins Dave and Tara for deep analysis of CT and the US of A.

Insulting Puerto Rico is no way to win over voters, especially in Connecticut. We talk about the horrifying rhetoric coming from the Trump campaign, assess the "vibes" of key races in CT, and chat with Rebecca Martinez who's making her second run for the state House seat in the Plainville area.

Early Voting starts October 21, and we get all the details direct from CT Sec. of the State Stephanie Thomas! Then, we fact-check the VP debate (even if JD Vance doesn't like it) and tell you how you can pitch in to help in these critical closing days.

As Republicans at the top of the ticket run on lies about Springfield, and CT Republicans run away from the truth about January 6th, Democrats push back. Plus, we chat with CT Senate candidate Nick Simmons about how his experience led him to run and how he's addressing concerns of voters in SW Connecticut.

Kamala Harris' debate performance was a home run, touchdown, gooooooaaaaal, and knockout all at once. We talk about the scene from CT viewing parties, the uptick in voter registration numbers, and the endorsement from one Taylor Swift. We also chat with Rob Blanchard, who took a short break from knocking doors on the 28th District to tell us what's on voters' minds and what it's like to be the can...

We recap CT's experience and reminisce about the Democratic Convention in Chicago. Delegates and Committee members Gemeem Davis, Meaghan Kehoe, Josh Elliott, and Grace Carlos join for a roundtable wrap-up. We also discuss CT races on the ballot (and RFK Jr. for some reason).

With the VP candidate named, the convention on the horizon, and the enthusiasm through the roof, we are feeling the energy of campaign 2024! Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz joins to talk about this political moment and another inspiring election 50 years ago – when CT elected the first woman Governor in US history.

Suddenly, it's a whole new campaign! We discuss the new energy and enthusiasm, the weirdness on the the other side, and recap the CT Women for Harris event. State Senate candidate Brandi Mandato chats with with Bridget Tulikangas about the intersection of policy and politics, her history of service, and the sense of community in the 34th senate district.

We take a look at the debate last week and its potential effect on the race. We hear from Tom Gardner, poll aggregator at borntorunthenumbers.com, for some insight, and talk about how you can get involved next week to help at all levels. Don't panic. Organize.

This week, the panel considers the effect of the many, many guilty verdicts handed to the CT Republicans' favorite candidate in a New York courtroom. Plus, we chat with Aaron Zimmer, candidate for the CT State Legislature and host of the podcast The 107 (which you should listen to next!)

Newly-elected Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves joins us to reflect on his first few months leading the Hat City and the challenges mayors face. Plus, the panel looks at close elections and the big difference a few votes can make.

This week, we take a look at the results of our Presidential Primary, look back on some predictions from last September about the GOP field, and hear from Treasurer Erick Russell about Connecticut's progress and financial health, baby bonds, and his first year in office.

CT votes EARLY for the Presidential Primary and we're back with all the info on that, a few bills before the state legislature, and an in-depth talk with Rep. Christine Palm about the Climate Protection Act.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon joins us from the road. We also look at efforts to ban books, discuss the importance of local elections (see: the effort to ban books), and predict the fate of GOP Presidential candidates (including one you never heard of).

Voting rights! Red Lights! Witchcraft! We look at some of the legislation passed this term, shine a spotlight on the book-banning efforts we're fighting in CT, and talk with CT Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk.

New year, new format! Mike and Dave welcome Grace to the team as they discuss the GOP own-goal in Tennessee and the implications of expelling sitting legislators, Early Voting in Connecticut, and what to do about Earth Day.

It's Eastern CT Day on the podcast (with ghost stories!) Congressman Joe Courtney, who knows a thing or two about close elections, chats with Mike about the urgency of 2022 and the work he's done for Connecticut's second district. And CT Senate candidate Lisa Thomas talks with Jesse about the value of face-to-face conversations when it comes to both solving problems and winning votes (even if the...

Life informs legislating for both US Rep Jahana Hayes and CT Senate candidate Paul Honig. On this week's episode, Rep. Hayes talks about her path to Congress, her approach to the job, and the urgency of this election. And Paul Honig discusses advocating for legislation as his "on-ramp" to running, his experiences talking to thousands of voters, and what he learned by building a net-zero energy hou...

On the road edition! Comptroller candidate Sean Scanlon joins Mike for a wide-ranging chat as they drive from Stamford to UConn (!), and CT Senate candidate Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman calls in from the road to talk about putting her history of activism and action to work for NW Connecticut. See: seanforct.com | eva4senate.com

Let's talk money! Treasurer candidate Erick Russell joins to discuss the state of the state's finances, the role of the Treasurer, and another way the state can expand access to abortion. Plus, CT Senate candidate and veteran Tim Gavin on what drew him to public service, what he's learned from both his military and civilian careers, and how to put it all to use to be a better representative for pe...

Do other politics podcasts talk about UFOs and competitive figure skating? Well, ours does! Rep. Jim Himes joins us to talk about Democratic accomplishments like the Inflation Reduction and CHIPS Acts, the nature of hearings and debates in the House (even when they're about UFOs), and the best way to spend a day in Fairfield County. And CT Senate candidate Trevor Crow (whose TikTok you need to go...

All eyes are on Secretary of the State races around the country, and CT is no exception. Stephanie Thomas talks with Jesse about her race for that critical office, and State Rep. candidate Dominque Johnson joins David at a festival in the district to talk about what it means to be a true representative.

Ned Lamont believes in Connecticut, and it comes through loud and clear. He chats with us about what it takes to keep our schools, our workforce, and our state's appeal to families among the best in the nation. And Rebecca Hyland, candidate for the 90th district in the state House, joins to talk about her desire to represent all of Wallingford and Middlefield and what you can learn about constitue...

Nobody knows CT as well as Susan Bysiewicz. The Lt. Governor joins us to discuss the remarkable difference four years makes: detailing the Lamont-Bysiewicz record of accomplishment, helping Connecticut families under pressure from the pandemic and rising costs, defending abortion rights, and learning a thing or two from all those conversations at the doors. Also, Kevin Brown talks about his plans...