State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) announced Monday evening he will not be running for re-election this November. In a phone call with The Newtown Bee Tuesday morning, Hwang said he will finish out his current term ending in January 2027.

Hwang, 61, is serving his fifth term as state senator representing Connecticut’s 28th District, which includes Newtown, Easton, Fairfield and part of Bethel. He has served as state senator since January 2015. He recently lost a bid to become Fairfield's first selectman, losing by a 56% to 44% margin in February in the well-to-do suburb, three months after Democrats made broad gains in the November municipal elections.

Hwang week he feels it's time to step aside and retire as state senator. While he did not say exactly what his plans are for the future, he thought it would still involve public service in some capacity, whether as an elected official or private citizen.

"Looking ahead, I hope to help address the current climate of division by working with nonprofit partners and academic institutions to encourage renewed civic engagement and leadership," Hwang said. "My goal is to help future generations understand that community must always come before political labels — and that effective governance requires collaboration, empathy, courage, and respect."

Hwang also said he was looking forward to more time with his wife and adult children. He said he would also return to his real estate profession "while seeking opportunities to teach and mentor young leaders about constructive participation in government, politics, and civic life."

As part of a statement issued March 30, Hwang after "many meaningful years of public service," he has decided "the time has come to step away from state elected office and begin the next chapter of my life.

"Serving the people of Connecticut’s 28th State Senate District has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life," he added.

As Newtown resident Neil Chaudhary noted in a 2024 Newtown Bee letter to the editor endorsing Hwang, "First, Tony is far from a typical Republican. Yes, he champions the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, social accountability, and local governance. That last point is critical for Newtown: Tony firmly believes in local control over zoning laws, ensuring growth aligns with our town’s needs, environmental protection, and sustainability ... Tony’s stance on women’s rights is unwavering — he fully supports a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. He also stands strong on reducing gun violence, proven by his 2023 vote for gun safety legislation (PA 23-53), the only Republican senator to do so."

According to his senate website (ctsenaterepublicans.com/senators/tony-hwang), Hwang is a Fairfield resident and a married father of two. He was born in Taiwan to parents who had escaped Communist China as teens and lived under martial law in Taiwan.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in labor relations and organizational behavior from Cornell University. After working briefly with United Technologies, he entered the executive search business, ultimately founding his company recruiting technology executives. For the past several years, Hwang has been involved in residential real estate.

A town educational issue in 2005 motivated Hwang to roll up his sleeves. His public service began with Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting. In 2008, Hwang ran for and won the State Representative seat representing the 134th district (Fairfield, Trumbull).

He quickly established a track record of what he termed “fiscal responsibility, moderate and responsible social views, and an unwavering passion and commitment” to his community. In 2010 and 2012, Hwang was re-elected by nearly 70% of the voting members in his district.

In 2014, Hwang became the first Asian-Pacific American state senator in Connecticut history. In that year, he received the Legislative Champion Award from the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs for his commitment to strengthening communities, youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Feeling that one of his most important roles as a senator is as an advocate for his constituents, especially during these “unprecedented economic times,” Hwang noted he and his staff have been acting as a conduit to help provide solutions for unemployment benefits, especially with independent contractors and the self-employed.

"Throughout my tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, I approached this responsibility with humility and a deep respect for the institution, its traditions, and the people we serve. I have sought to represent our communities with integrity, character, and a commitment to thoughtful, principled leadership," he stated. "I am profoundly grateful for the countless friendships and meaningful interactions with constituents, colleagues, community leaders, and advocates who have enriched this journey. Public service is ultimately about people, and I have been continually inspired by the generosity, dedication, and civic spirit of those across Fairfield/Southport, Easton, Westport, Weston, Trumbull, Newtown/Sandy Hook, and Bethel."

Hwang said this week that even in an era marked by emotional and political polarization "and a troubling erosion of civility in public discourse," he remains "committed to respectful engagement and collaborative problem-solving."

"Even in moments of passionate debate over policy and principle, I chose not to engage in personal attacks," stated Hwang. "Our democracy depends on the ability to disagree without demeaning one another, and I remain proud that my service reflected that belief."

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.