Meriden Democrats

STEPHANIE THOMAS: PROTECTING OUR VOTE – Tues. June 30, 7pm, Dawg House

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut’s chief elections official, stands in the forefront of the fight against Donald Trump’s attempts to suppress the vote, seize voter records containing sensitive information, and manipulate elections. She is modernizing our voting systems, improving early voting procedures, and implementing universal access to absentee ballots. Engage in a timely conversation with Secretary Thomas as she continues to safeguard our vote and seeks re-election.

Drinking Liberally Midstate/Meriden provides a casual time each month for moderate, liberal and progressive folks from all towns to gather, engage in stimulating discussion, and share a drink together, alcohol or otherwise.
> Please arrive early to order great pub grub and your favorite cocktail or mocktail.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Dawg House Bar & Grill, 999 Broad Street, Meriden
To hear about future events, join our email list:
• https://livingliberally.org/chapter/ct/meriden_140801
To follow us on Facebook:
• www.facebook.com/Drinking-Liberally-Meriden-225386204697268/
For more info:
• Diadette Hernandez, [email protected]
• Jeff Freiser, [email protected], 860-836-8545

🟠🟣👊Thank you CT Working Families for endorsing our campaign in advance of the upcoming Democratic Primary on August 11.

As a member of the House, I’ve worked with my colleagues to champion bold, forward-thinking policies that have made a difference in Connecticut. We’ve fought for quality public education, regardless of zip code. We’ve fought for accessible housing options for young families like mine. We’ve fought to expand paid family leave so that parents don’t have to choose between a paycheck and being present for their loved ones in moments of crisis.

In the coming years, there is much more work to do on these fronts. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Last night in Meriden Democrats from Meriden, Middletown, Wallingford and Middlefield joined Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz for re-election fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!

State Representatives Quinn and Santiago, City Councilors Jelks, Hauselt and Misner joined members of the Meriden Democratic Town Committee today at the Annual Ella Grasso Brunch. Congratulations to State Representative Mary Mushinsky and all the other honorees.

Rhudean Raye celebrated her 100th birthday today with many of her countless friends and admirers. As Meriden’s civil rights matriarch, she remains a relentless force for a better world. Born in South Carolina, she arrived in Meriden as a young woman and quickly made her mark. Miss Rhudean was Meriden’s first Black teacher and one of Meriden’s first Black nurses, serving her community in both professions. In 1985, she founded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. / Albert Owens Scholarship Breakfast, which is still going strong, each year bringing together hundreds to share inspiration and assist the next generation of leaders. THANK YOU AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RHUDEAN RAYE!

It was a glorious moment yesterday when the Pride Flag was raised above Meriden. We can be proud to live in a city that celebrates its diversity and stands strong for our LGBTQ+ community. Special appreciation goes to City Councilor (and State Representative candidate!) Chad Cardillo and Meriden Pride Chair Branddon Arroyo, who both led the campaign in 2024 to recognize June as Pride Month in Meriden, including the flying of the Pride Flag for the entire month.

PRIDE FLAG RAISING, Monday, June 1, 5:00 p.m.
Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden
> After great community organizing and significant debate, in 2024 the Meriden City Council recognized June as Pride Month, including the flying of the Pride Flag for the entire month. Congratulations to those Councilors and our LGBTQ+ community!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
Please save the dates for all these not-to-be-missed happenings ahead. See the flyers below for additional information.

* Monday, June 1, 5:00 p.m.
Pride Flag Raising
Curtis Cultural Center
175 East Main Street, Meriden
> After great organizing and significant debate, the Meriden City Council recognized June as Pride Month, requiring the flying of the Pride Flag for the entire month.

* Saturday, June 6, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Jahana Hayes Fundraiser
Cheshire [location to be announced]
> The Cheshire Democratic Women’s Club is hosting a fundraising reception for Jahana as she seeks re-election to Congress. Once again, national Republican PACs will spend millions here trying to defeat her. RSVP to [email protected].

* Sunday, June 7, 11:00 a.m.
Jack Fazzino Day of Action
Linear Trail/Red Bridge Parking Lot
562 Oregon Road, Meriden
> Jack is the endorsed Democratic candidate for State Senator, but a Cheshire Town Councilor is challenging him in an August primary. Let’s knock on doors and make phone calls, to assure that Jack continues to serve us at the State Capitol.

* Thursday, June 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hilda Santiago Fundraiser
Guambras Grill
231 West Main Street, Meriden
> State Representative Hilda Santiago is running for re-election. Your financial support is particularly important because it will allow Hilda to qualify for a grant from the Connecticut clean elections fund.

* Sunday, June 14 [time t/b/a]
CT Dems Women’s Leadership Brunch
Aqua Turf
556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville
> The Connecticut Democrats’ annual Women’s Leadership Brunch is one of the best political events of the year, offering inspiring speakers and joyful camaraderie. If you would like to join the Meriden Democrats table (and get a reduced-price ticket), please quickly contact DTC Chair Ron Weller: [email protected].

* Tuesday, June 16 [time t/b/a]
Ned Lamont Fundraiser
Tiano Smokehouse Prime
1388 East Main Street, Meriden
> Governor Lamont is running for re-election, but faces an August Democratic Primary. (Further event details are awaited.)

* Friday, June 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Meriden Green
77 State Street, Meriden
> The Meriden/Wallingford NAACP is sponsoring its annual Juneteenth event. Look forward to stirring speakers and talented entertainers.

* Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.
Stephanie Thomas at Drinking Liberally
Dawg House Bar & Grill
999 Broad Street, Meriden
> Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut’s chief elections official, has forcefully opposed Donald Trump’s assault on voting rights. Engage in a conversation with Stephanie at Drinking Liberally Midstate/Meriden, as she continues to promote civic participation and seeks re-election.

* Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Primary Day
Find your poll location at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
> Meriden voters will have two Primary races on the ballot: Governor [Ned Lamont (endorsed) vs. Josh Elliott] and 13th State Senate District [Jack Fazzino (endorsed) vs. Jim Jinks]. Be sure to vote and volunteer to help your favorite candidate.

* Saturday, August 15, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Meriden Pride Fest
Meriden Pride Center
328 Paddock Avenue, Meriden
> Meriden Pride once again offers its community-powered Pride event featuring live entertainment, local craft and food vendors, community organization displays and resources, and family-friendly activities.

Thanks, as always, for showing up and making a difference.

HILDA SANTIAGO EVENT: Thurs., June 11, 5-7pm, Guambras Grill
We are delighted to announce that State Representative Hilda Santiago is running for re-election! Join Hilda for a fundraising event on Thursday, June 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Guambras Grill, 231 West Main Street, Meriden. If you cannot attend, please support Hilda's campaign with an on-line donation at https://daycampaign.com/donate/santiago. Or if you prefer to contribute by check, direct message us to obtain the necessary form. Your contribution is particularly important because it will allow Hilda to qualify for a grant from the Connecticut clean elections fund. Thank you!

Wednesday night, Democrats proudly, unanimously endorsed candidates for State Representative in Meriden’s three House Districts: Mike Quinn (82nd), Chad Cardillo (83rd), and Hilda Santiago (84th). Delegates from Meriden, Cheshire and Berlin (portions of which comprise the 83rd) came together to select Chad to run to succeed Jack Fazzino, who is running for State Senate. Meriden DTC members from Mike and Hilda’s districts chose each of them to run for re-election. Meriden residents will be fortunate to have such worthy, effective public servants representing us in Hartford.