3 CT lawmakers on how to reach a bipartisan compromise in 2026

By Frankie Graziano,

Published May 27, 2026 at 4:12 PM EDT

Senate President Martin Looney speaks during a press conference where legislators and city leaders touted the addition of $23 million in state funding to the city’s budget at New Haven City Hall on May 13, 2026, which they say will help fill the school budget deficit and avoid a mill rate hike.

Connecticut Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney announced earlier this month he’s not seeking reelection after serving 23 terms as a state lawmaker.

People gather at a vigil in Hartford for victims of a deadly mass shooting that happened at a ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park, CA on January 24, 2023. Senator Tony Hwang gives a passionate speech.

Looney’s departure follows news that Tony Hwang, a Republican state senator out of Fairfield, also won’t return to the Connecticut General Assembly in 2027.Both lawmakers, and their former Republican colleague Len Fasano, share more than 80 years of experience serving the people of Connecticut.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano speaks to the Senate before Governor Ned Lamont starts off the 2020 legislative session with his State of the State address at the State Capitol on February 5, 2020 in Hartford, Connecticut.

Today on The Wheelhouse, we’ll ask them all about public service and their efforts to reach across the aisle amid contentious political debate.

Guests:

Sen. Martin Looney, Democrat representing Hamden and New Haven
Sen. Tony Hwang, Republican representing Easton, Fairfield, Newtown
Len Fasano, former Republican lawmaker

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