Rep. Hall To Be Challenged By LeBorious In 59th House District Race

ENFIELD-EAST WINDSOR, CT — Democrats looking to regain a stronghold they enjoyed for more than four decades in the 59th District of the Connecticut General Assembly are looking to an East Windsor resident with considerable local political experience in Enfield, including service as the town's mayor.

Richard LeBorious was unanimously endorsed by Democrats at a recent nominating convention. He will challenge four-term Republican incumbent Carol Hall on Nov. 5.

LeBorious grew up in Enfield and raised his family there. At a young age, he became involved in town politics with an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Stints as a District 4 councilman and at-large councilman were followed by his selection as deputy mayor, then he served as the town's mayor in the late 1980s.

A small business owner, he has been active with numerous other elected and appointed positions, and is currently vice chairman of the East Windsor Diversity Committee.

"To me, there is no higher calling in our democracy than to serve your fellow citizens in elective public office," LeBorious said. "I am humbled and mindful of the great responsibility that comes with this nomination."

In 2016, Hall became the first Republican elected to represent the 59th District since Rosario Vella in 1972. That was the year redistricting placed Enfield in Districts 58 and 59; the town had previously been divided between Districts 45 and 46.

Vella lost his re-election bid in 1974 to Dick Cressotti, and in the ensuing 42 years, Democrats Bill Kiner (eight terms), Steve Jarmoc (seven terms), Karen Jarmoc (two terms) and David Kiner (three terms) maintained the seat.

David Kiner's decision not to seek re-election in 2016 opened the door for Hall, who garnered 54 percent of the vote to defeat former Enfield Democratic town chairman Tony DiPace. She topped DiPace again two years later, then turned back challenges from Dr. Gerald Calnen in 2020 and Matt Despard in 2022.

"I am truly humbled that I was nominated once again to represent Enfield and East Windsor in Hartford as your state rep for the 59th district," Hall told Patch. "It's been my honor to serve this district for the last eight years."

Caucuses for both Republicans and Democrats in District 58 are scheduled Wednesday at Enfield Town Hall. Three-term Democratic incumbent Tom Arnone is not seeking re-election, opening up the field to four candidates - two from each party.

Enfield Town Councilor John Santanella and former state Rep. David Alexander are both seeking the Democratic nod, while councilors Marie Pyznar and Bob Hendrickson are vying for the Republican endorsement.