Big get: Senate Democrats add Chris Lyddy as senior staff member.

Former Newtown state representative Chris Lyddy will return to the legislature as a senior staff member to the Senate Democrats. Lyddy served two terms from Newtown from 2009-2013. He was elected in 2008 to succeed the late Julia Wasserman, when she chose not to seek re-election. Wasserman, who fled Nazi Germany as a child, was one the legislature’s hardest working members. Lyddy ably followed her long example.

Lyddy served on the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission and was a member of the secretive and troubled Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Salve Regina University graduate was appointed to the grim Child Fatality Review Board by Republican John McKinney.

Until joining the Senate Democrats, Lyddy worked for the Dalio Philanthropies, though there is no reason to believe that Lyddy shares hedge fund total Ray Dalio’s appalling view of the People’s Republic of China as “a strict parent” while downplaying China’s dark human rights record.

Lyddy is married to State Treasurer Erick Russell, a rising star in state politics. As a legislator, Lyddy earned a reputation for working effectively with Republicans, though they have been largely marginalized by voters across the state. His challenge will be to manage the ancient rivalries between the House and Senate. Adding Lyddy gives the Senate Democrats a distinct advantage in the competition ahead.

Published January 3, 2025.