{{Short description|American real estate agent and politician}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Tony Hwang | image = File:Tony Hwang.jpg | caption = Hwang in 2023 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|09|17|mf=y}} | birth_place = Kaohsiung, Taiwan | death_date = | death_place = | state_senate = Connecticut State | district = 28th | term_start = 2015 | term_end = | predecessor = John P. McKinney | successor = | state_house1 = Connecticut | district1 = 134th | term_start1 = 2009 | term_end1 = 2015 | predecessor1 = Tom F. Christiano | successor1 = Laura Devlin | party = Republican | alma_mater=Cornell University (BS) | website = {{URL|www.tonyhwang.org}} | footnotes = }} '''Tony Hwang''' (born September 17, 1964) is an American politician serving as a member of the Connecticut State Senate from the 28th District, which contains the towns of Fairfield, Easton, Newtown, and part of Bethel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Senate Redistricting Plan Maps |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/rr/tfs/20210401_2021%20Redistricting%20Project/smaps.asp |website=Connecticut General Assembly}}</ref> A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected to the state senate in 2014, and previously represented the 134th district in the Connecticut General Assembly. He serves as the Chief Deputy Republican Leader, and the Ranking Member on the Aging, Transportation, and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tony Hwang |url=https://www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/senators/tony-hwang/ |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=Connecticut Senate Republicans |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Hwang was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after his parents fled the Communist government in mainland China as teenagers and re-settled in Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Veterans-salute-Independence-Day-values-in-566130.php |title=Veterans salute Independence Day values in Fairfield - Connecticut Post |work=Connecticut Post |publisher=Ctpost.com |date=2010-07-05 |access-date=2012-09-27}}</ref> The family immigrated to the United States when Hwang was approximately nine years old and settled in Syracuse, New York.<ref name="Cleary">{{Cite web |last=Cleary |first=Tom |date=2010-10-21 |title=Hwang walks, talks -- and listens -- in re-election bid |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/hwang-walks-talks-and-listens-in-717001.php |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=CT Insider |language=en}}</ref> He received a Bachelor's degree in labor relations and organizational behavior from Cornell University.<ref name="Reilly">Genevieve Reilly, [https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Hwang-Dean-face-off-for-seat-in-134th-District-3964187.php Hwang, Dean face off for seat in 134th District], ''Fairfield Citizen'' (October 20, 2012).</ref>
==Career== Hwang worked for United Technologies<ref name="Cleary" /> before becoming a licensed realtor in Fairfield.<ref name="Cleary" /><ref name="LaBella2020">Josh LaBella, [https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Race-for-state-s-28th-Senate-District-too-close-15699691.php Hwang wins race for state's 28th Senate District], ''Fairfield Citizen'' (November 4, 2020).</ref> In 2005, Hwang entered politics and was elected to the Fairfield RTM. In 2008, he defeated Incumbent Tom Christiano for the 134th State House seat, and was re-elected in 2010 and 2012.
In 2014, State Senator John McKinney vacated his State Senate seat to unsuccessfully run for governor,<ref>{{cite web |date=13 August 2014 |title=Foley Wins GOP Gubernatorial Primary in Connecticut |url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/connecticut-voters-go-to-polls-in-gop-gubernatorial-primary-1407849162 |access-date=2 October 2014 |work=Wall Street Journal}}</ref> and endorsed Hwang as his successor.<ref>{{cite web |date=2014-04-02 |title=Hwang to run for state Senate, endorsed by McKinney |url=http://www.minutemannewscenter.com/articles/2014/04/02/fairfield/news/doc533c2d5e6cae3724555244.txt |access-date=2014-06-24 |work=Minuteman News Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=November 2, 2014 |title=Hwang State Senate Campaign Gets Boost from Llodra, McKinney |url=https://patch.com/connecticut/newtown/hwangs-state-senate-campaign-gets-boost-llodra-mckinney-0 |access-date=2 October 2014 |website=patch.com |publisher=The Patch}}</ref> In the general election, Hwang defeated the Democratic nominee, State Representative Kim Fawcett of the 133rd district 56%-44%.<ref>{{cite web |last=Salzo |first=Vincent |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Republican Tony Hwang Wins 28th District State Senate Seat |url=http://patch.com/connecticut/fairfield/republican-tony-hwang-wins-28th-district-state-senate-seat-0 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=Fairfield Patch}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Tony Hwang |url=https://dev.ballotpedia.org/Tony_Hwang |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}}</ref>
In 2016, Hwang received re-election endorsements from Robert H. Steele, John Kasich, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Lori |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Westport Letter: Steinberg, Hwang Show Bipartisan Concern for Environment |url=http://fairfield.dailyvoice.com/politics/westport-letter-steinberg-hwang-show-bipartisan-concern-for-environment/686096/ |access-date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=Fairfield Daily Voice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Gov. John Kasich Endorses State Senator Tony Hwang |url=http://www.fairfield-sun.com/50710/gov-john-kasich-endorses-state-senator-tony-hwang/ |access-date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=Fairfield Sun}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Steele |first=Robert |date=October 6, 2016 |title=An Endorsement for Hwang in Senate |url=http://www.thehour.com/opinion/article/An-endorsement-for-Hwang-in-Senate-9879456.php |access-date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=The Hour}}</ref> He defeated Democrat Philip Dwyer, with over 60% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gay |first=Patricia |date=November 9, 2016 |title=State Senator Tony Hwang Wins Re-election |url=https://archive.thewestonforum.com/71418/state-senator-tony-hwang-wins-re-election/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813043949/https://archive.thewestonforum.com/71418/state-senator-tony-hwang-wins-re-election/ |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |website=The Weston Forum |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Laura |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Hwang claims victory in 28th Senate District |url=http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/ELECTION-2016-Dwyer-Hwang-compete-for-28th-10601589.php |access-date=November 8, 2016 |work=Fairfield Citizen}}</ref>
In 2018, Hwang defeated Democrat Michelle McCabe, 52%-48%; in a 2020 rematch, Hwang defeated McCabe 51.7%-48.3%.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Josh LaBella, [https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Fairfield-sees-high-election-turnout-and-15705352.php Fairfield sees high election turnout and first-time volunteers], (November 6, 2020).</ref>
In 2022, Hwang faced off against Tim Gavin, a 28-year-old Yale graduate and Army Veteran,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-04 |title=Fairfield Army Veteran Announces Candidacy For State Senate |url=https://patch.com/connecticut/fairfield/fairfield-army-veteran-tim-gavin-running-ct-senate |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=Fairfield, CT Patch |language=en}}</ref> who he beat 50.7%-49.3%.
In 2024, Hwang faced Rob Blanchard, a close advisor to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blanchard mulls race to unseat Hwang in 28th Senate District. Incumbent Republican presents tempting target after Fairfield Democrats sweep local elections. — Daily Ructions |url=https://www.dailyructions.com/blanchard-mulls-race-to-unseat-hwang-in-28th-senate-district-incumbent-republican-presents-tempting-target-after-fairfield-democrats-sweep-local-elections/ |access-date=2026-02-04}}</ref> who he defeated 54.6%-45.4%.
Following the death<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Eddy |date=2025-07-25 |title=Fairfield bids farewell to former First Selectman Bill Gerber |url=https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-07-25/fairfield-bids-farewell-to-former-first-selectman-bill-gerber |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=Connecticut Public |language=en}}</ref> of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber in 2025, Hwang announced that he would collect signatures to force a special election for the seat, and that he would run to serve the remainder of Gerber's term.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eng |first=Donald |date=2025-08-21 |title=CT State Senator Gathering Petitions For First Selectman Run |url=https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2025/08/21/ct-state-senator-gathering-petitions-for-first-selectman-run/ |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=CT News Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> In February of 2026, Hwang lost this special election 56%-44% to Christine Vitale, Gerber's running mate in 2023, who had been serving as First Selectperson since his death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pazniokas |first=Mark |date=2026-02-04 |title=GOP's Tony Hwang loses to Fairfield First Selectwoman Christine Vitale |url=https://ctmirror.org/2026/02/03/gops-tony-hwang-loses-to-fairfield-first-selectwoman-vitale/ |access-date=2026-02-04 |website=CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref>
At various points since 2013, Hwang has publicly considered running for statewide office,<ref name=Vigdor>Neil Vigdor, [https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-hwang-placemats-spending-20180509-story.html The Place Mat King: Sen. Tony Hwang Spent $15K On Restaurant Ads], ''Hartford Courant'' (May 11, 2018).</ref> and in 2017 had an exploratory committee for governor.<ref name=ReillyAugust2018>Genevieve Reilly, [https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Fairfield-state-senator-in-hot-water-over-13191520.php Fairfield state senator in hot water over copyrighted artwork on campaign signs], ''CT Post'' (August 30, 2018).</ref> Thus far, Hwang has opted not to run for statewide office.<ref name=Vigdor/>
===Tenure and political positions=== In 2019, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters gave Hwang a "lifetime score" of 88% and called him "a thoughtful voice on the environment and conservation," citing his advocacy for the Long Island Sound Blue Plan and State Water Plan.<ref>{{cite web |date=2019 |title=2019 Environmental Scorecard |url=https://www.ctlcv.org/uploads/6/2/0/1/6201942/2019_environmental_scorecard_spread.pdf |publisher=Connecticut League of Conservation Voters |page=32,36}}</ref> The group endorsed Hwang's campaign for the state Senate in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Connecticut League of Conservation Voters endorses Hwang |url=http://www.eastoncourier.com/13915/connecticut-league-of-conservation-voters-endorses-tony-hwang/ |access-date=2 October 2014 |publisher= |newspaper=Easton Courier}}</ref> In 2019, he supported a plastic bag ban.<ref>Emilie Munson, [https://apnews.com/article/34612ea5148d4683878a51ae6fae537e Connecticut bans on plastic bags, straws, containers passed by committee], Associated Press (March 25, 2019).</ref>
The ''Hartford Courant'' described Hwang in 2019 as a moderate Republican.<ref name="Altimarti">Daniela Altimarti, [https://www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-pol-jt-lewis-state-senate-20190715-pn67yctlxzal5a2helmsnbria4-story.html JT Lewis, brother of Sandy Hook victim Jesse Lewis, is running for state Senate], ''Hartford Courant'' (July 15, 2019).</ref> During the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries, Hwang supported John Kasich, and was named Connecticut state chairman of Kasich's campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blair |first=Russell |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Ohio Gov. John Kasich Names Connecticut Campaign Chair |work=Hartford Courant |url=http://www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-john-kasich-tony-hwang-story.html |access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref> He hosted campaign events with Kasich in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2016 |title=Presidential Candidate Gov. John Kasich Talks Issues at SHU |url=http://www.sacredheart.edu/aboutshu/news/newsstories/2016/april/presidential-candidate-gov-john-kasich-talks-issues-at-shu.html |access-date= |publisher=Sacred Heart University}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rooney |first=Rachel |date=April 22, 2016 |title=GOP Presidential candidate John Kasich makes stop in CT |work=WFSB News |url=http://www.wfsb.com/story/31790188/gop-presidential-candidate-john-kasich-makes-stop-in-ct |access-date=April 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Gov. John Kasich endorses State Senator Tony Hwang |work=Fairfield Sun |url=https://www.fairfield-sun.com/50710/gov-john-kasich-endorses-state-senator-tony-hwang/ |access-date=September 26, 2016}}</ref> Hwang opposed Donald Trump and condemned Trump's insults targeting women, minorities, immigrants, and persons with disabilities; Hwang said in October 2016: "Trump's comments are unacceptable under any circumstances. It perpetuates the potential cycle of violence. I can't say it strong enough that I condemn them. I have never supported him because of those comments."<ref>Ken Dixon, [https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Majority-of-local-GOP-candidates-won-t-take-9974246.php Majority of local GOP candidates won't take stand on Trump], ''CT Post'' (October 16, 2016).</ref>
As of 2020, Hwang is the ranking member of the state Senate committees on housing, higher education, public safety and security, and transportation.<ref>Josh LaBella. [Tony Hwang: Republican, candidate for state Senate 28th District], ''CT Post'' (September 29, 2020).</ref> Hwang was a member of the Legislative Environment Committee in 2011<ref>{{cite web |title=Environment Committee - Vote Tally Sheet |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ts/h/2011HB-05011-R00ENV-CV11-TS.htm |access-date=2 October 2014 |publisher=}}</ref> and 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Environment Committee - Vote Tally Sheet |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/ts/h/2012HB-05117-R00ENV-CV21-TS.htm |access-date=2 October 2014 |publisher=}}</ref>
Hwang voted against a pro-net neutrality bill in 2018, arguing that the matter is a federal issue.<ref>{{cite web |title=Republicans block state net neutrality bill - Connecticut Post |work=Connecticut Post |url=https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Republicans-block-state-net-neutrality-bill-12791381.php |access-date=3 April 2018 |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Connecticut Lawmakers Won't Take A Stand On Net Neutrality |date=30 March 2018 |url=http://wnpr.org/post/connecticut-lawmakers-wont-take-stand-net-neutrality |access-date=3 April 2018 |publisher=Connecticut Public Radio}}</ref> Like most Connecticut Republican legislators, Hwang opposes the legalization of marijuana; he opposed proposals in 2019 to legalize, tax, and regulate recreational marijuana in Connecticut.<ref>Emilie Munson, [https://apnews.com/article/102d260f4452400f90492c895a5ae973 Taxation of recreational marijuana debated at CT Capitol], Associated Press (April 29, 2019).</ref> He is an outspoken opponent of legalized gambling in Connecticut,<ref>[https://www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-senator-tony-hwang-trying-to-stop-casinos-20150519-story.html Senator Tony Hwang: Trying To Stop Casinos], ''Hartford Courant'' (May 19, 2020).</ref> and has opposed moves to allow additional casinos and other gambling businesses to operate in the state.<ref>Brian Hallenbeck, [https://apnews.com/article/47f430af647c45bda2066a29dcb2ce4c Committee sends all gaming bills to House, Senate], Associated Press (March 19, 2019).</ref><ref>Kevin Zimmerman, [https://westfaironline.com/123335/state-sen-tony-hwang-voices-support-for-gov-lamonts-rejection-of-tribes-online-gambling-bid/ State Sen. Tony Hwang voices support for Gov. Lamont's rejection of tribes’ online gambling bid], ''Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals'' (April 8, 2020).</ref>
== Controversies ==
=== Campaign spending and advertisement controversies === In 2014, the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission investigated Hwang over an allegation of failure to disclose campaign purchases.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 September 2014 |title=State Elections Agency Investigates Hwang Purchases |url=https://dailyvoice.com/connecticut/fairfield/politics/state-elections-agency-investigates-hwang-purchases/494762/ |access-date=2 October 2014 |work=The Fairfield Daily Voice}}</ref> The Commission authorized the investigation after reviewing complaints and submitted materials from Town of Fairfield's Democratic Town Committee.<ref>{{cite web |title=State Elections Enforcement Commission to investigate Hwang |url=http://www.fairfield-sun.com/25826/state-elections-enforcement-commission-to-investigate-hwang/ |access-date=2 October 2014 |publisher=}}</ref> Hwang denied wrongdoing,<ref>{{cite web |title=Dems' election complaint against Hwang questions spending disclosure |url=http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Dems-election-complaint-against-Hwang-questions-5780349.php |access-date=2 October 2014 |work=Fairfield Citizen |date=25 September 2014 }}</ref> and accused the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee as trying to distract the electorate.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 September 2014 |title=Fairfield Rep. Hwang Responds To Election Complaint From Democrats |url=http://fairfield.dailyvoice.com/politics/fairfield-rep-hwang-responds-election-complaint-democrats |access-date=2 October 2014 |work=The Fairfield Daily Voice}}</ref>
In 2016, the State Elections Enforcement Commission fined Hwang $400 for violation of rules on campaign contribution limits.<ref name="ReillyAugust2018" />
Hwang spent $15,020 on advertising on place mats at a Connecticut restaurant chain. He purchased the ads with personal funds and was later reimbursed the cost by his political committee. Hwang initially did not disclose the reimbursement on his campaign disclosure filings.<ref name="Vigdor" /> A local Democratic committee chairman filed an elections complaint against Hwang for the lapse in 2016.<ref name="Vigdor" /> In December 2017, the state Elections Enforcement Commission ruled that the failure to disclosure was unintentional, and directed him to correct his filings.<ref name="Vigdor" /> In January 2017, Hwang also reported spending $2,850 on "Wikipedia information management" services.<ref name="Vigdor" />
In 2018, some of Hwang's campaign signs included copyrighted art from the nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations Hate Has No Home Here and Ben's Bells, without permission from the groups. After the use of the art was reported, Hwang issued an apology, said that the use was unintentional, and removed the signs and text at issue.<ref name="ReillyAugust2018" />
===Public Argument With High School Girl===
On Election Day in 2019, a high school student volunteer argued with Hwang at Fairfield's District 1 polling place about socialism. The exchange eventually got heated and brought the student to tears, prompting a Facebook post from her mother that circulated on social media. Hwang later apologized to the student, citing he did not intend to hurt the student's feelings, but rather to educate her on the topic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scharf |first=Rachel |date=2019-11-05 |title=Fairfield Election Day: Turnout is steady, Hwang argues with student about socialism |url=https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Fairfield-Election-Day-Turnout-is-steady-Hwang-14811757.php |access-date=2019-11-08 |website=Fairfield Citizen}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== *{{Official website|http://tonyhwang.org/}} {{Connecticut State Senators}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hwang, Tony}} Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:American people of Chinese descent Category:American politicians of Taiwanese descent Category:Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations alumni Category:Republican Party members of the Connecticut House of Representatives Category:Politicians from Kaohsiung Category:Politicians from Syracuse, New York Category:Taiwanese emigrants to the United States Category:Asian-American state legislators in Connecticut Category:Asian conservatism in the United States Category:21st-century members of the Connecticut General Assembly