French
DeutschErick Russell
Erick Russell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 84th Treasurer of Connecticut | |
| Assumed office January 4, 2023 | |
| Governor | Ned Lamont |
| Preceded by | Shawn Wooden |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Christopher Lyddy |
| Education | University of New Haven (BA) University of Connecticut (JD) |
| Signature |  |
Erick Russell is an American politician from Connecticut. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the Connecticut State Treasurer. He is the first openly gay African American elected to a statewide office in the United States.
Early life and career
[edit]Russell grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, where his parents owned a convenience store and deli. He graduated from the University of New Haven in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice,[1] becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college.[2] Russell earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2012.[1][3][4] During law school, he interned for the general counsel to Governor Dannel Malloy.[2]
After graduating from law school, Russell joined law firm Pullman & Comley, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in their department on public and private financing, and became a partner in the firm.[1][5] He also chairs the LGBT section of the Connecticut Bar Association.[6] In 2009, Russell was elected as a vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party.[2][7]
Connecticut State Treasurer
[edit]After Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden announced that he would not run for reelection in the 2022 Connecticut State Treasurer election, Russell announced his candidacy to succeed him.[7] He defeated Dita Bhargava and Karen DuBois-Walton in the Democratic Party primary election in August, receiving 58 percent of the vote.[8] In the November general election, Russell faced state representative Harry Arora, the Republican Party nominee. Russell won the election with 52 percent of the vote.[9] Russell became the first openly gay African American elected to a statewide office in the United States.[10][11] He was sworn into office on January 4, 2023.[12]
Personal life
[edit]Russell's husband, Christopher Lyddy, is a former member of the Connecticut House of Representatives.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Chmiel, Renee (August 3, 2022). "Alum Brings Passion for Service to Campaign for State Office - University of New Haven". Newhaven.edu. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
- ^ a b c Catarevas, Michael (February 1, 2021). "40 Under 40: The Class of 2021". Ctinsider.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- ^ Empowering Attorneys. "Four Questions with Erick Russell". CTforMe. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- ^ Gosavi, Prasad (February 4, 2021). "Erick Russell '12 Recognized in Connecticut's 40 Under 40 | School of Law". Law.uconn.edu. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- ^ Bograd, Sadie (April 22, 2022). "Two New Haveners join race for state treasurer". Yale Daily News. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
- ^ "Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman to become new CT Dem chair". Westfaironline.com. December 14, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- ^ a b Julia Bergman (April 14, 2022). "Former vice chair of CT Democratic Party runs for state treasurer". Stamfordadvocate.com. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- ^ Co, Record-Journal Publishing. "Erick Russell wins three-way Democratic primary for CT treasurer". www.myrecordjournal.com.
- ^ Golvala, Katy (May 16, 2019). "Erick Russell wins CT treasurer election in historic win". Ctmirror.org. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
- ^ "Connecticut's next state treasurer makes history for LGBTQ community". New Hampshire Public Radio. November 9, 2022.
- ^ "Erick Russell Is First Black Gay Statewide Elected Official". www.advocate.com. November 9, 2022.
- ^ "Russell Sworn in, Faces Baby Bonds Test". January 4, 2023.
- ^ "10:45 AM: Russell Casts Ward 26's 113th Vote". New Haven Independent.
External links
[edit]Statewide elected officials and legislative leaders of Connecticut | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. senators |  | |
| State government | ||
| Senate |
| |
| House |
| |
| Supreme Court |
| |