Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.
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Connecticut Secretary of the State — 2026 Certificate of Endorsement or 15% Candidate
Candidate: Stephanie Thomas
Office: Secretary of the State
Party: Democratic
Connecticut SEEC — 2026 candidate registration list
SEEC candidate name: Stephanie Thomas
SEEC committee: Stephanie Thomas for CT
SEEC office: Secretary of the State
SEEC party: Democrat
SEEC election date: 11/03/2026
SEEC committee status: Active
Experience
Verified records and candidate-provided claims are labeled separately.
MY BIOGRAPHY
Source-published biography
Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service.
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Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service.
MY BIOGRAPHY
Source-published biography
Secretary Thomas made history as the first Black person to be elected Secretary of the State of Connecticut. She has dedicated time to serving on many boards and strategic planning committees, and she has been an active volunteer in her community. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State. Secretary Thomas holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from New School University. She and her husband are proud residents of Norwalk, Connecticut.
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Secretary Thomas made history as the first Black person to be elected Secretary of the State of Connecticut. She has dedicated time to serving on many boards and strategic planning committees, and she has been an active volunteer in her community. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State. Secretary Thomas holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from New School University. She and her husband are proud residents of Norwalk, Connecticut.
my Experience
Source-published biography
In 2018 when I saw a problem, I brought the same work ethic and fair dealing to the political arena. I became an active volunteer with Fight Back Connecticut, served on Norwalk’s Democratic Town Committee, and was appointed to Norwalk’s Zoning Commission. In 2020, with the help of a small army of engaged volunteers of all ages and races, I was elected as State Representative of Connecticut’s 143rd district (Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport).
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In 2018 when I saw a problem, I brought the same work ethic and fair dealing to the political arena. I became an active volunteer with Fight Back Connecticut, served on Norwalk’s Democratic Town Committee, and was appointed to Norwalk’s Zoning Commission. In 2020, with the help of a small army of engaged volunteers of all ages and races, I was elected as State Representative of Connecticut’s 143rd district (Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport).
my Experience
Source-published biography
It has been my pleasure serving as Connecticut's 75th Secretary of the State since January, 2023.
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It has been my pleasure serving as Connecticut's 75th Secretary of the State since January, 2023.
Meet stephanie THOMAS
Source-published biography
She is a former small business owner who has spent three decades advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations. In 2020, she was elected to represent Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport as a Representative in Connecticut’s State House, flipping that seat from Republican to Democrat.
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She is a former small business owner who has spent three decades advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations. In 2020, she was elected to represent Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport as a Representative in Connecticut’s State House, flipping that seat from Republican to Democrat.
Meet Stephanie Thomas
Candidate-stated
Stephanie is a former small business owner who has spent three decades advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations. In 2020, she was elected to represent Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport as a Representative in Connecticut’s State House, flipping that seat from Republican to Democrat.
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Stephanie is a former small business owner who has spent three decades advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations. In 2020, she was elected to represent Norwalk, Wilton, and Westport as a Representative in Connecticut’s State House, flipping that seat from Republican to Democrat.
Positions and priorities
A position shows what the candidate said—not FactVote's endorsement.
Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.
Economy, jobs, taxes, and affordability
Candidate position
As a small business owner, I understand what it takes to grow and maintain a successful enterprise. There are no shortcuts for hard work and fair dealing. Government must support and never be an impediment. Boards value my work because I am not afraid to speak my mind, ask the difficult questions, and challenge historical assumptions.
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As a small business owner, I understand what it takes to grow and maintain a successful enterprise. There are no shortcuts for hard work and fair dealing. Government must support and never be an impediment. Boards value my work because I am not afraid to speak my mind, ask the difficult questions, and challenge historical assumptions.
Civic Engagement
Candidate position
Focused on restoring trust in our government by teaching Connecticut residents how to navigate our government and advocate for what we believe . Visit the newly created PowerofCivics.ct.gov for more information.
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Focused on restoring trust in our government by teaching Connecticut residents how to navigate our government and advocate for what we believe . Visit the newly created PowerofCivics.ct.gov for more information.
Government ethics, accountability, and elections
Candidate position
Between 2023 and 2026 we will see more changes in election processes than the past fifteen years combined. The office of the Secretary of the State will continue to implement these changes while ensuring that you can vote safely and securely - this year, and every year.
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Between 2023 and 2026 we will see more changes in election processes than the past fifteen years combined. The office of the Secretary of the State will continue to implement these changes while ensuring that you can vote safely and securely - this year, and every year.
Business Development
Candidate position
The first stop for any business in this state is the Secretary of the State’s Office. The sharing of resources and training opportunities while streamlining the process will help you focus on what you do best - running your business.
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The first stop for any business in this state is the Secretary of the State’s Office. The sharing of resources and training opportunities while streamlining the process will help you focus on what you do best - running your business.
Government ethics, accountability, and elections
Candidate position
Voters must be inspired to vote and our materials, systems, and procedures must be easy to understand. Visit civics101.ct.gov for plain language resources we created to help you.
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Voters must be inspired to vote and our materials, systems, and procedures must be easy to understand. Visit civics101.ct.gov for plain language resources we created to help you.
Secure, Modern, and Accessible Elections
Candidate position
Secure, Modern, and Accessible Elections
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Secure, Modern, and Accessible Elections
My Biography
Candidate position
Since taking office, Secretary Thomas has led the implementation of significant election reforms in the state, including the successful roll-out of early voting. In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006. During her term, Secretary Thomas will also institute a new centralized voter registration system, election night reporting system, upgrades to the business.ct.gov portal and oversee the implementation of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut, universal access to absentee ballots and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.
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Since taking office, Secretary Thomas has led the implementation of significant election reforms in the state, including the successful roll-out of early voting. In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006. During her term, Secretary Thomas will also institute a new centralized voter registration system, election night reporting system, upgrades to the business.ct.gov portal and oversee the implementation of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut, universal access to absentee ballots and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.
Support Secure and Accessible Elections
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Prioritizes secure, modern, and accessible elections in Connecticut.
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Implement Election Changes
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports implementing election changes while maintaining voter access and election security; the cited page does not name early voting or universal absentee voting.
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Share Business Resources and Streamline Processes
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports sharing resources and training with Connecticut businesses and streamlining business processes.
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Invite Ideas for Office Services
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Belief
Invites public ideas for improving Connecticut Secretary of State services; the cited page names no planned stakeholder convening.
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Make Voter Materials Understandable
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Favors easy-to-understand voter materials, systems, and procedures.
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Value Public Trust and Consensus
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Belief
Identifies public trust and consensus as values for administering the Secretary of State's office, without pledging specific party partnerships.
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Streamline Business Services
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports streamlining business processes and sharing resources with Connecticut businesses.
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Support Civic Education and Participation
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports civic education and public participation, without naming specific partner institutions or a year-round program.
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Support Modern, Secure Elections
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports modern, secure elections; the cited page does not specify a program with town clerks or registrars.
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Support Voter Participation
Candidate position
FactVote summary · Goal / Priority
Supports voter participation and understandable election materials for eligible Connecticut residents.
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Source currently unavailable — retained for review
Modernized Connecticut Election Systems
Candidate’s account of past work
FactVote summary · Record / Past Action
Led implementation of early voting, new voting equipment, election-security training, and other election-system modernization.
Supported local officials with training and resources.
Upgraded statewide election capacity.
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An executive record will attach only from official orders, directives, vetoes, signed actions, legal filings, or direct official statements that explicitly attribute the action to this person. Agency outcomes and events during an administration are not inferred as personal actions.
Campaign finance
Official filings may be amended after publication.
Names and candidate-stated prior service alone never attach another person's records. State-executive actions and Connecticut legislative records require separate source-specific attribution.
Sources
Every profile claim points back to retained source evidence.
Election record
2026 Connecticut endorsement certificate — Stephanie Thomas
