Verrengia Wins the 20th District Special Election

Joseph Verrengia, a veteran West Hartford police officer who has been on the town council since 2004, will join the General Assembly as the new state representative for the 20th District.

Verrengia, 46, a Democrat since he switched his party affiliation in 2007, beat Republican Allen Hoffman, 68, who held the seat for one term in 1995-1996. The unofficial results at 9 p.m. had Verrengia ahead 1,510 to 894.

The 20th District seat was vacated when Democrat David McCluskey was appointed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. McCluskey, who had beaten Verrengia for the seat in 2002, endorsed him for the special election.

At a gathering of supporters Tuesday night, Verrengia remembered losing the election in 2002 and seeing the disappointment in the face of his parents.

"To stand in front of them as a winner is very special for me," he said.

Verrengia thanked supporters at the gathering, including state Sen. Beth Bye, D-5th District, and Democratic Town Chairwoman Moraith Marra O'Toole, whom he called "the foundation of the Democratic Party" in town.

"I had a lot of people working for me, and a lot of things got done," Verrengia said.

Verrengia said he would make a decision shortly about whether he could continue to serve on the town council, at least through the impending budget season. He also said he was working with town officials on a possible leave of absence from the police department.

"I really want to thank the people who came out to vote," Verrengia said. "I'm so excited right now."

After the returns were announced, Hoffman conceded the race.

"The numbers are in, the winner has been declared," Hoffman said. "I congratulated him and wished him luck."

Voters who came out for the election had their reasons for supporting each candidate.

"There are a couple of things important to me in this election," Eric Hammerling said. "One is the MDC liability issue. Joe [Verrengia] has been strong on that. I also wanted someone who would make the tough choices in this challenging budget climate."

"I voted for Allen Hoffman," said Holly Rychling. "I thought he'd be more fiscally conservative and rein in spending better than the other guy."