The Right Direction With Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto

In this episode of The Right Direction, Connecticut GOP Chairman Ben Proto sits down with Jen Tooker, First Selectwoman of Westport and Republican candidate for governor in 2026, for a lively and insightful conversation about Connecticut’s challenges—and its future. Tooker shares her journey from corporate executive to public servant, why local leadership matters, and how her experience reopening...

In this episode of The Right Direction, Connecticut GOP Chairman Ben Proto welcomes KC Crosbie, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee, for an in depth and insightful conversation on the future of the Republican Party. From her early grassroots work in Kentucky to leading national strategy alongside Chairman Michael Whatley, Crosbie shares her inspiring political journey and the bold new pr...

What’s it like covering Connecticut politics from the inside out? In this episode of The Right Direction, Chairman Ben Proto sits down with WTNH’s rising star political reporter Mike Cerulli for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the state of journalism, Gen Z’s view of politics, and what’s really happening at the Capitol. Cerulli, one of the youngest political reporters in the country, shares hi...

What’s the real game plan for Connecticut Republicans? In this special episode of The Right Direction, the script is flipped—Executive Director Rebecca Terricciano takes over the mic to interview Chairman Ben Proto, diving into the party’s strategy, long-term vision, and the fight for conservative leadership in Connecticut. From his first campaign experience knocking on doors for Gerald Ford to le...

Listen to this week’s episode as we dive into a post-election policy discussion with Senator Ryan Fazio from Connecticut's 36th District! Discover how Fazio's background in economics and commodity shipping has armed him with the insights to tackle Connecticut's most pressing issues—high taxes, skyrocketing energy costs, and healthcare expenses. From his rise from a Northwestern University conserva...

In this episode, Ben Proto sits down with former prosecutor turned Bitcoin advocate, Tracy Hoyos, to explore her inspiring transformation from a liberal Democrat to a passionate Republican champion for cryptocurrency. Tracy opens up about her shift in political ideology and dives deep into the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, revealing how they can offer financial independence to all, not just...

In this episode of The Right Direction, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto hosts a critical conversation with Red Jahncke, founder of The Red Line and expert on Connecticut’s economic landscape. They tackle the state’s mounting financial challenges, including Connecticut's high level of state indebtedness and the severe tax burden on residents. Jahncke delves into the regressive natur...

State Senator Lisa Seminara discusses her background and journey into politics, as well as some of the key issues she has worked on during her first term. She highlights the passage of the wheelchair bill, which ensures timely repairs for wheelchair users, and the aging in place policies that support seniors in staying in their homes. She also addresses the issue of unaffordable energy costs in Co...

In this conversation, Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto interviews Mayor Erin Stewart of New Britain. They discuss Mayor Stewart's journey into politics, her approach to leadership, and the importance of community involvement. They also touch on the challenges faced by urban centers and the need for Republicans to expand their reach in these areas. Mayor Stewart emphasizes the importance o...

In this conversation, Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto interviews Bob MacGuffie, a long-time Republican activist and the endorsed Republican candidate for the fourth congressional district in Connecticut. They discuss Bob's background, his reasons for running for Congress, and the key issues he plans to address if elected. The main themes of the conversation include the state of the econo...

Dr. Michael Goldstein discusses his background as a doctor and lawyer, his run for Congress, and the issues facing America. They delve into the healthcare system, the impact of government involvement, and the need for increased competition and consumer choice. They also discuss the affordability crisis and the need to address high energy costs and inflation. Dr. Goldstein emphasizes the importance...

Chairman Ben Proto brings you this special BONUS content LIVE from the Republican National Convention after an eventful night with Executive Director Rebecca Terricciano, the two catch up on sitting in the President’s box at the convention last night, watching JD Vance accept the Vice Presidential nomination, reactions from candidates excited about being on the ticket, and the full energy of the R...

Chairman Ben Proto brings you this special BONUS content LIVE from the convention, taking the podcast on the road to capture the events and informational sessions we’re seeing here in Milwaukee. In this special interview with Whitley Yates, who is leading the charge in Indiana with outreach on behalf of the GOP to minority and diverse communities - in other words, minority outreach WITHOUT all the...

Chairman Ben Proto brings you this special BONUS content LIVE from the CONVENTION FLOOR, taking the podcast on the road “man on the street” style, and catches up with delegates, VIP’s and other convention attendees from in and outside Connecticut and covers everything, from the recent assassination attempt on President Trump’s life, the nomination of JD Vance as the Vice Presidential pick, reactio...

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman (and our host!) Ben Proto is joined by United States Senate Candidate Gerry Smith for our next episode of The Right Direction! Gerry Smith, the current first selectman of Beacon Falls and a candidate for the United States Senate in Connecticut, shares his background and experiences in public service and business. He discusses the importance of giving back to t...

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto is joined by Stephen Harding, the Senate Republican Leader in the Connecticut State Senate, to discuss his career in politics, the Republican Party, and the work Republicans are doing in the Senate to protect and support Connecticut families from inflation and other bad policy decisions. Stephen dives deep into his motivation for running and gives ad...

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto is joined by Vincent Candelora, the House Republican leader in the Connecticut General Assembly, to discuss his career in politics, the Republican Party, and the work Republicans are doing in the House to protect and support Connecticut families from inflation and other bad policy decisions. Among the challenges facing the state, such as the inflatio...

In this conversation, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto interviews Mike France, a former state legislator and current candidate for Congress in Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District. They discuss Mike's background, his reasons for running for Congress, and the key issues in the second district of Connecticut. They focus on immigration, border security, the economy, and the budget...

Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto is joined by Republican National Committee Chairman (RNC) Mike Whatley for this special first episode of The Right Direction. The two discuss state-by-state strategies for the Republican Party, the importance of early voting, and engaging voters of different generations. Chairman Whatley emphasizes the need for Republicans to focus on local races and have...

Welcome to "The Right Direction - With Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto," the podcast that dives deep into the issues facing Connecticut, offering conservative solutions to make our state a better place for everyone. Hosted by Ben Proto, Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, this show is a beacon for those seeking to understand the Republican brand and its candidates. With an eye...