Former CT Gov. Jodi Rell Endorses Toni Boucher for State Senate

October 17, 2022

Cites Boucher’s “common sense” leadership, bipartisanship, and “fierce” advocacy for the people of southwestern CT

Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell today enthusiastically endorsed Toni Boucher for the open 26th Senate District seat. The district includes Wilton, Westport, Weston, Redding and parts of Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.

“Now more than ever, we need common sense leaders like Toni who have a record of working across the aisle to move Connecticut forward,” Rell said.  “As governor, I worked closely with Toni when she served in the House of Representatives and the State Senate to enact significant legislation throughout my term.”

Rell cited multiple examples of the policy successes that she and Boucher worked together to achieve, including:

  • Preventing the construction of an “I-95 like” Super Seven highway through Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield, and instead limiting Route 7 to four lanes with sidewalks and trees. This solution paved the way to build the greenway from Norwalk to Danbury
  • Saving Orem’s Diner from the bulldozers during the Route 7 construction
  • Building Wilton Commons to help area seniors age in place in our community
  • Securing funding and protections for farms throughout the district
  • Instituting landmark government ethics and campaign finance reform
  • Enacting legislation to address climate change
  • Protecting our children from measures that would have greatly expanded access to illicit drugs.

“Toni has always been a fierce advocate at the State Capitol for the people she represents and the causes that they champion,” Rell said. “Toni listens, and Toni cares. The 26th district will be well served to return Toni to the state senate to help confront the serious issues that Connecticut is now facing.”

“Helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives,” Boucher said. “That’s what I enjoy the most.  I am so grateful and humbled to receive Gov. Jodi Rell’s endorsement. As a state legislator, I built strong relationships with Jodi and with so many caring, generous, wonderful people throughout our area communities. I also built a strong record of bipartisan legislative policy accomplishments which have helped to improve the quality of life for people of all ages across Connecticut.”

Boucher served as 26th District State Senator from 2008 to 2019 and as a State Representative from 1997 to 2008. 

“I truly believe I have a lot more to give back to the people of southwestern Connecticut,” Boucher said. “I will campaign tirelessly from now until November, and if Democrat, Independent and Republican voters put their faith in me again, I will work tirelessly for them as their state senator.”

Boucher said her top issues include:

  1. protecting local control regarding residential property rights. 
  2. protecting parents’ rights and decisions over their children’s education
  3. making Connecticut more affordable through tax relief 
  4. making Connecticut’s communities safer

Boucher has served as a State Board of Education member, a local Board of Education chair, and a local Selectman.

Her numerous public service awards include twice being named “Environmental Champion” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and being named “Children’s Champion” by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance on seven different occasions. Visit ToniBoucher.com for more information on Toni and campaign volunteer opportunities.