Campaign News & Election Information

Republican Town Council Candidates Host “Neighbors in Need” Food Drive for the West Hartford Food Pantry

Saturday - September 6, 2025 - The candidates for Town Council, John Lyons, Kyle Zelazny, Jason Wang and Alberto Cortez, spearheaded a food drive for the West Hartford Food Bank with support from the West Hartford Republican Town Committee. The drive was held at the Farmington Avenue Stop & Shop. John Lyons noted how generous the voters of West Hartford are when given the opportunity to contribute. Jason Wang and Kyle Zelazny enjoyed meeting many residents and hearing about their concerns. The Food Bank is a community endeavor that has long been dear to Alberto Cortez’s heart with him observing that “food insecurity is not just about holidays but is a 365 day a year concern.” Later in the day over 72 cubic feet of nonperishable food was delivered to the West Hartford Food Bank by the candidates. The Town Council slate was grateful to have the opportunity to lend a hand to their fellow community members and appreciated the generosity and goodwill of the residents of West Hartford.

BREAKING NEWS: VERBAL ANTISEMITIC ATTACK ON RTC TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN MANAGER

Friday, August 15, 2025 - Today, one of the West Hartford RTC candidates for Town Council (Ben Lewis), and one of the West Hartford RTC candidate Campaign Managers (Ari Schaffer), were subjected to a verbal attack with rhetoric that has become far too common in West Hartford. Why anyone would think that this person's behavior and antisemitic ranting is acceptable, is beyond reason. Ben and Ari were just having a morning coffee together.

While as PROUD REPUBLICANS, we fully support a person's right to free speech, we would hope that our Democrat opponents and the West Hartford DTC would join us and also denounce this behavior. We would also hope that anyone who knows this person would pull him aside and have a strong conversation that convinces him that this behavior is the EXACT reason why support for Democrats nationwide is the lowest it's been in many decades and why Democrats are now leaving their party and joining us.

We hope that when West Hartford voters go to the polls this November, they think about how our candidates are working to change this toxic environment.

WEST HARTFORD REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR TOWN COUNCIL SPEAK AT SUPPORT OF ISRAEL MARCH

August 10, 2025 - Four candidates running for West Hartford Town Council, (John Lyons, Dr. Jason Wang, Kyle Zelazny and Ben Lewis), participated in and was invited to speak at the weekly Support of Israel March today. John, Jason and Ben took the opportunity by microphone to address the crowd while Kyle walked the audience having intimate conversations with many of the participants at the march. Republicans continue to show their support at the local level, the state level and the national level. The candidates drew attention to changing the rapidly growing antisemitic voice that has grown all too rapidly within West Hartford, especially over the last few years. The candidates encourage all West Hartford residents to come and join the March, which begins at the library parking lot at Bishop’s corner every Sunday at 9:30am.

Dr. Jason Wang speaks to marchers

John Lyons discusses issues at the support march

Supporting Town Council candidate Ben Lewis in the background are (from left to right) - candidates John Lyons and Kyle Zelazny, as well as current Republican Board of Ed rep Ethan Goldman and candidate Dr. Jason Wang

Ben Lewis provides information to the crowd

John Lyons gets feedback from the crowd

Crowd listens to Dr. Jason Wang

Ben Lewis continues with comments of support

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

 

For Immediate Release

July 22, 2025

Contact:          Shawn Daly, Chairman – West Hartford Republican Town Committee

                        (860) 840-7430 phone, chair@whgop.com email

 

West Hartford Republican Town Committee Announces Dynamic Slate of Candidates for 2025 Municipal Elections

 

Poised for Change: New Energy, Proven Leaders, and Real-World Solutions to Restore Balance to Town Government

 

West Hartford, CT – July 22, 2025 – The West Hartford Republican Town Committee (RTC) proudly announces its full slate of endorsed candidates for Town Council and the Board of Education, selected at the RTC’s official endorsement meeting on July 21 at Town Hall. This year's election brings together a standout group of candidates-fresh thinkers with bold ideas, alongside experienced leaders with a strong track record.  It reflects a clear move toward practical, solution-oriented leadership and underscores the continued growth and vitality of the Republican Party in West Hartford.

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The Republican slate for Town Council includes:

  • Al Cortes, incumbent and common-sense community voice

  • Dr. Gayle Harris, current Board of Education member and tireless education advocate

  • Kyle Zelazny, attorney and previous Board of Education candidate

  • Ben Lewis, local business executive and first-time candidate

  • John Lyons, social media civic leader and podcast host – former Democrat turned Republican supporter

  • Dr. Jason Wang, addiction medicine physician, Bike West Hartford Board Member and former Democrat turned Republican supporter

 

The RTC also endorsed Miriam Bleich, a respected advocate for children, as its representative for the Board of Education.

 

“For too long, one-party rule has dominated our Town Council and Board of Education,” said RTC Chairman Shawn Daly. “And while West Hartford remains a wonderful place to live, longtime residents know that under current Democratic leadership, the cost of living has soared, fiscal discipline has evaporated, community voices are ignored, infrastructure is overlooked and out of control property overdevelopment continues. The time has come to bring balance, transparency, and accountability back to town government.”

 

This year’s Republican ticket includes two former Democrats who, like many residents, are walking away from extreme progressive policies that are making West Hartford increasingly unaffordable and unsustainable for working families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

 

“Unlike our opponents, we’re not interested in stale talking points or national scare tactics,” said Daly. “Instead of distracting voters with political theater, we’re focused on real issues and solutions — improving educational outcomes, attracting new businesses, lowering taxes, and restoring civil discourse in public service.”

 

With early voting and Election Day approaching, the Republican candidates will be actively engaging voters in neighborhoods across West Hartford — listening to concerns, offering clear policy goals, and working to earn the trust of every resident regardless of party affiliation.

 

“We’re excited to have Miriam Bleich, as the tip of the spear for our Board of Education efforts,” said RTC member Ari Schaffer. “As a parent who is an advocate for children with deep knowledge of the challenges facing students today, Miriam brings expertise and compassion that will elevate the conversation and outcomes in our schools.”

 

The West Hartford RTC invites voters to learn more about our team, our priorities, and how to get involved by visiting www.whgop.com or contacting us at chair@whgop.com.

 

This November, voters face a clear choice: more of the same, or a new direction. The West Hartford Republican candidates stand ready to deliver real results.

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