Honig Celebrates 8th Senate Win, First For A Dem Since 1970s

One of the 2024 election season's most contested races ended with an upset win for the challenger in the sprawling 8th Senate District.

That race saw Harwinton Democrat Paul Honig oust state Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon, from her seat, which serves Norfolk, Hartland, Canton, Simsbury, New Hartford, Avon, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

Seminara conceded the race on Wednesday.

According to the unofficial vote count, Honig defeated the Avon Republican, 24,031-22,188, relegating her to one term in office.

In 2022, Seminara defeated Honig to earn her seat in the heavily GOP District, one that hasn't been represented by a Democrat in decades.

Wednesday, Honig, 61, said he accepted Seminara's concession and credited her for her work.

" She ran a spirited campaign and worked hard as a state senator," Honig said via social media.

Honig said his election was the first time since the mid-1970s that a Democrat would lead the 8th Senate District.

"This is the first time in more than 50 years that the 8th district will be represented by a Democrat," he said prior to thanking myriad friends, family and fellow Democrats.

" I’m very proud of this accomplishment, but this was a team effort and there are so many to thank."

Honig said he was "honored" and "humbled" by his victory.

" I am honored to be your representative and humbled by the faith that you’ve put in me," Honig said. " I can’t wait to get to work on your behalf to find solutions to the problems that are making things so difficult for many."

Seminara, 56, admitted the results were "not what we hoped for," but said her "heart remains full of gratitude and humility."

She, too, thanked her myriad volunteers, friends, and family, as well as local election officials and poll workers for their work during the election season.

"I am immensely proud of the positive campaign we ran and the values we represented," she said in a release Wednesday night.

"We fought hard, fair, and remained laser-focused on the issues important to the people of the 8th District."

Seminara also congratulated Honig, saying "the voters have spoken."

"I wish you success as you take on the responsibilities of the office," Seminara said of Honig.

"It is my sincere hope you will govern with a commitment to the well-being of all our citizens. Our state faces many challenges, and we must come together to address them. Let us become united, hopeful, and determined to build a brighter future for Connecticut."