Wilton Sen. Ceci Maher announces retirement, calls for generational change in politics

Sen. Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, announced Thursday she will not seek reelection, citing a responsibility to step aside for younger leaders to shape Connecticut’s future.

“I believe my generation has a responsibility to mentor and support younger leaders. Now is the right time to step aside to let them take the reins and craft the legislation that will shape Connecticut for the coming decades,” Maher said in a statement.

The 72-year-old senator was elected in 2022, representing the 26th Senate District that includes Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton in Fairfield County. Maher succeeded Will Haskell of Westport, who left the seat after two terms for law school and marriage.

Maher serves as co-chair of the Children’s Committee and highlighted her work on behalf of young people as a key accomplishment during her tenure. She pointed to the creation of the Early Childhood Education Endowment as a notable achievement she will leave proud of, according to her statement.

“I love this job, and I have the energy, will and interest to keep serving,” Maher said. “However, as a member of the Baby Boomer generation, I’m aware of the shifting focuses and needs of our state and county.”

Her retirement announcement makes her one of two Democrats in the Senate to step down. Sen. Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, who also was elected in 2022, has announced her retirement as well. Democrats currently hold a 25-11 majority in the Senate.

Despite calling for generational change, Maher is younger than four of the seven people representing Connecticut in Congress and is a contemporary of Gov. Ned Lamont, who is seeking a third term, according to the announcement.

Haskell, who previously held Maher’s seat, praised her decision and service. The former senator, now 29, married and working as a public defender in New York City, had been elected at age 22 when he flipped the Republican seat in 2018.

“I admire her so much and how she used her four years,” Haskell said. “I also admire her decision to make way for new voices.”

However, Haskell said he would not seek to return to his former seat, ruling out a potential comeback bid for the open position.

Maher’s announcement comes at a time when questions about generational leadership have become prominent in American politics. Her statement directly addressed this tension, framing her departure as part of a broader responsibility for older politicians to create opportunities for younger leaders.

“I care deeply about the future of our state, and I know new leaders will continue building upon the progress we’ve made,” Maher said.

The 26th Senate District has seen significant political changes in recent years. Haskell’s 2018 victory marked a shift from Republican control, and his departure after just two terms for personal reasons created the opening that Maher filled in 2022.

With Maher’s retirement, the district will see its third different senator in less than a decade, potentially creating an opportunity for new leadership to emerge in one of Fairfield County’s key legislative seats.

The announcement sets up what could be a competitive race for the Democratic nomination in a district that spans multiple wealthy suburban communities in lower Fairfield County.