Zullo Secures GOP Nomination For 99th District Special Election

EAST HAVEN, CT - Town Attorney Joe Zullo has secured the Republican Party’s nomination to face a so-far unnamed Democratic challenger in the Feb. 26th special election to replace James Albis as 99th District state representative.

Zullo added he has collected all of the 113 qualifying contributions for his campaign to participate in the State's "Citizens Election Program."

Zullo explained, "I want to thank the East Haven Republican Party for its unanimous support at its special meeting held yesterday. It has been a humbling week since I announced my interest in running, with a number of people reaching out to express their support and encouragement. I am proud to be representing the Republican Party on the February 26th special election ballot and hopeful that the residents of East Haven will see fit to send me to Hartford to be their voice for the next two years."

The Citizens Election Program, a grant program facilitated by the State of Connecticut, allows candidates running for public office who meet certain qualifying contribution thresholds to obtain public funds to run their campaigns. The program, which was established to help clean up elections and keep improper donations from funneling into campaigns, has become the preferred funding source for most general assembly candidates.

For the February 26th special election, candidates who collect a minimum of 113 qualifying contributions between $5.00 and $250.00 from East Haven residents are eligible to receive a grant of up to $21,112.50 to run their campaigns.

Zullo noted, "I was cautiously optimistic we would collect the required donations in a short period of time. I never imagined we'd get it done within 72 hours of our kickoff. I want to express my thanks to everyone who donated and everyone who collected signatures. It was truly a team effort."

Albis resigned his seat recently to accept a high level position in Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration.