Craig Fishbein is a far-right Republican in a moderate Connecticut district, and one of the most out-of-touch lawmakers in the state. First elected in 2016, Fishbein has used his platform to attack LGBTQ+ youth, oppose abortion protections, and block inclusive policies, all while clinging to a seat that’s flipped blue before and nearly flipped again in 2020.
In 2024, Fishbein won re-election by just 9%, barely holding on in a district that had once elected Democrats for over a decade. His extremism is well-documented: he was one of just eight legislators to vote against banning conversion therapy for minors, and he opposed Connecticut’s landmark abortion safe-harbor law.
This isn’t a red district. It’s a moderate, swing seat. And Fishbein is wildly out of step with it.
He’s extreme. He’s exposed. He’s beatable.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
In 2017, voted against bipartisan bill banning conversion therapy for minors; one of only 8 legislators to oppose it.
Justified “no” vote by calling protections “political correctness” and citing parental rights.
Consistently opposed major LGBTQ+ protections, including efforts to restrict trans athletes, require parental notification for trans students, and block inclusive curriculum.
Maintains hardline stance while some Republicans have moderated.
Represents a district with a large LGBTQ+ population but supports policies that reduce their visibility and rights.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
In 2022, voted against the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, a leading state abortion protection law.
Law shields providers/patients from out-of-state prosecution and expands who can perform early-term abortions.
Vote aligned him with anti-abortion activists against bipartisan majority support.
Has never supported a proactive reproductive rights bill in office.
Culture War Over Constituents
Prioritizes ideological fights over local issues.
Opposes inclusive education, LGBTQ+ equality, and abortion access even when unrelated to district needs.
Focus mirrors national culture war agenda, not working-family priorities.
Lacks significant legislative work on healthcare, affordability, or public education.
Key Vulnerabilities
Holds one of Connecticut’s most competitive GOP seats; won by just 7 votes in 2020 and 54.5% in 2024.
Every Democratic challenger since 2018 has secured at least 45% of the vote.
District is suburban, moderate, and politically balanced with many independents.
Local voters back pro-choice measures and elect Democrats at other levels.
Has not yet faced a fully funded, well-organized opposition campaign — leaving an opening for 2026.
