Hughes Accepts Dems' Unanimous Nomination For 135th House District

**News Release Submitted by Office of State Rep. Anne Hughes**

May 15, 2024

Wednesday, Rep. Anne Hughes proudly accepted the nomination as the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate for the 135th House District. Addressing delegate supporters at The Granite Church in Redding, Rep. Hughes expressed deep gratitude and a steadfast commitment to fighting for the values that define the district and the state of Connecticut.

College student Eli Brennan of Weston nominated Hughes. "Her people-centered approach has made the 135th district an exemplar of good representation. Anne makes sure she is accessible and open to everyone, even during the busiest days of the legislative session." Brennan said in his nominating speech.

The nomination was seconded by Gus Cristenson, also of Weston. "Whether it is literally rolling up her sleeves to clean up litter around the Saugatuck Reservoir, or figuratively rolling up her sleeves to craft legislation to protect the vulnerable among Connecticut's seniors, Anne Hughes works hard. Anne Hughes gets the job done," said Cristenson.

Rep. Hughes emphasized the national challenges facing democracy, including the actions of a former President who has undermined the peaceful transfer of power and weakened the nation's institutions. "This time around, we learned he asked oil companies to write him a blank check and, in turn, is handing big oil our climate on a silver platter," Rep. Hughes stated. Turning attention to local issues, Rep. Hughes highlighted the threats posed by Trump Republican ideologues in Connecticut. "The threats we face are no less grave. They want to turn the clock back to the 19th century on women's rights, child labor, and science," Rep. Hughes warned.

Rep. Hughes also criticized Republican efforts to criminalize LGBTQ affirming healthcare and reproductive healthcare access, to demonize trans children, ban books, and harass librarians, as well as their obstruction of meaningful climate justice legislation.

Rep. Hughes called for an expansion of the Democratic majority in the House and Senate, advocating for strategic and grassroots participatory power. "We need to champion our democratic values with more strategic and grassroots participatory power," Rep. Hughes urged. "The citizen-led action that we first raised six years ago is no less important, in fact, quite the opposite."

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges, Rep. Hughes stressed the importance of continued vigilance and action. "Today we face the same threat at the top of the ticket, along with the most corrupt and ultraconservative Supreme Court in all of our lifetimes," Rep. Hughes said. "Together with Republican politicians in Congress and state houses in all 50 states, they are working to violate our trust to protect us against corporate greed, toxic interests, with invasive, life-threatening rulings that hold some above the law."

Rep. Hughes outlined her agenda for the next session:
● An economy that celebrates innovation.
● Climate justice policies that ensure a livable future for our grandchildren.
● Leading gun safety legislation.
● Affordable healthcare for all.
● Equitable investment in quality early childhood and public education.

In closing, Rep. Hughes emphasized the need for continued voter engagement. "We must work together to elect more fearless Democrats, to mobilize everyone to get out and vote... We the People can overcome the existential threats our state and nation face with effective self-governance that works for everyone."

Rep. Anne Hughes is the state representative for Connecticut's 135th Assembly District, representing Weston, Redding, and Easton, running for her fourth term.