Erick Russell
84th Treasurer of Connecticut
Assumed office
January 4, 2023
GovernorNed Lamont
Preceded byShawn Wooden
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseChristopher Lyddy
EducationUniversity of New Haven (BA)
University of Connecticut (JD)

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

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

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

Russell's husband, Christopher Lyddy, is a former member of the Connecticut House of Representatives.[13]

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c Catarevas, Michael (February 1, 2021). "40 Under 40: The Class of 2021". Ctinsider.com. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  3. ^ Empowering Attorneys. "Four Questions with Erick Russell". CTforMe. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Bograd, Sadie (April 22, 2022). "Two New Haveners join race for state treasurer". Yale Daily News. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  6. ^ "Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman to become new CT Dem chair". Westfaironline.com. December 14, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Julia Bergman (April 14, 2022). "Former vice chair of CT Democratic Party runs for state treasurer". Stamfordadvocate.com. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  8. ^ Co, Record-Journal Publishing. "Erick Russell wins three-way Democratic primary for CT treasurer". www.myrecordjournal.com.
  9. ^ Golvala, Katy (May 16, 2019). "Erick Russell wins CT treasurer election in historic win". Ctmirror.org. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  10. ^ "Connecticut's next state treasurer makes history for LGBTQ community". New Hampshire Public Radio. November 9, 2022.
  11. ^ "Erick Russell Is First Black Gay Statewide Elected Official". www.advocate.com. November 9, 2022.
  12. ^ "Russell Sworn in, Faces Baby Bonds Test". January 4, 2023.
  13. ^ "10:45 AM: Russell Casts Ward 26's 113th Vote". New Haven Independent.

External links

Political offices Preceded byShawn Wooden Treasurer of Connecticut 2023–present Incumbent
State treasurers of the United States
Statewide elected officials and legislative leaders of Connecticut
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