News + Press

Nearly 24 hours after Jadon MacCormack, endorsed Republican candidates for the General Assembly, declared June “Happy Straight Month” and decried what he called “the normalization of perverse ideologies that threaten the innocence of the next generation,” the Connecticut GOP has failed to respond in any meaningful way.

MacCormack also “liked” a vile Facebook post wishing death to LGBTQ+ people. The post mockingly defines the LGBTQ+ acronym as “Let God Burn Them Quickly Plus Give Them AIDS.” His public social media accounts are filled with years of racist, homophobic, and bigoted posts.

The Republican response? GOP gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio has not said a single word in response to these developments.

MacCormack has repeatedly boosted Fazio’s campaign, including calling him “my friend” during the GOP convention. “In District 50 you will see Fazio-MacCormack on the ballot,” MacCormack said. Candelora “liked” the post on Facebook.

Another post reveals MacCormack “worked with Fazio personally” during the 2026 Legislative Session. The two have taken multiple photographs together. 

Instead, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora offered half-hearted damage control, saying MacCormack’s comments were “his own” and that he should “step aside.”

Rather than supporting the LGBTQ+ community and speaking out against hate, Candelora minimized MacCormack’s comments as “immature” and “reckless,” saying MacCormack “isn’t ready for the responsibility he’s asking voters to give him.” 

That is not enough. 

“Make no mistake, Jadon MacCormack has posted virulent hatred on his public profiles for years,” said CT Dems Executive Director Sarah Locke. “The Connecticut Republican Party must do more than issue carefully worded statements after the fact. They must condemn MacCormack’s campaign, ensure he is removed as their candidate, and publicly explain how he was able to win their nomination. LGBTQ+ people and families across Connecticut deserve leaders who will defend their dignity and safety without hesitation.”

“The Republican Party, including the gubernatorial candidate they endorsed last month, have been unapologetic in their support for the felon in the White House, and all the hateful and destructive policies that have come from this Administration,” said CT Dems vice chair Vanita Bhalla. “Jadon MacCormack is just another MAGA extremist.”

“‘Not ready’ or ‘immature’ is what you say when an intern loses the office keys," said CT Dems spokesperson Ian Clarke. “‘This is an endorsed GOP candidate wishing death and AIDS upon millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. Where exactly is Ryan Fazio on this? This is pure hatred, and condemning this kind of inhumanity shouldn’t be hard. 

“MacCormack has campaigned with him, promoted him, and bragged about working with him. If Fazio wants to lead this state, he can start by doing the bare minimum and condemning the bigotry coming from his own political ally.