To The Editor:

My name is Amybeth Laroche, and I’m running for State Senate in the 28th District.

Before this campaign is over, some of you may hear that I’m secretly this, tied to that, or somehow defined by whatever national controversy is dominating the news. I want to address that: I am not running because of national politics, and this race should not be reduced to Washington talking points.

There is a familiar political tactic: denying the conduct being questioned, attacking the person raising it, reversing the roles of victim and offender, and then redirect attention elsewhere. It is often called DARVO. Gaslighting and “look over here” distractions can serve the same purpose moving attention away from the decisions and records voters should be examining.

That matters in Connecticut because the decisions affecting property taxes, zoning, energy policy, education, and many other state issues are made in Hartford. Democrats currently hold a 25-11 majority in the State Senate and a 102-49 majority in the House, and Connecticut has had unified Democratic control of the governorship and both legislative chambers since 2011. The state Senate has been Democratic-controlled since the 1997 session, aside from an 18-18 tie following the 2016 election.

My opponent previously served as Governor Ned Lamont’s communications director and, in April 2026, moved to a senior adviser role on Lamont’s reelection campaign. I do not work for the Governor or answer to a political administration.

So if this race suddenly becomes about Washington, personalities, labels, or national outrage, ask a simple question: what Connecticut issue are we no longer discussing?

I want this campaign focused on Hartford, the record of those in power, and the decisions that affect families in Bethel, Easton, Fairfield, and Newtown.

Amybeth Laroche

Candidate for State Senate, 28th District