J.R. Romano Chosen to Lead Connecticut Republicans

Connecticut Republicans have picked a 36-year-old political consultant to head the party.

J.R. Romano, a Trinity College graduate from Derby, was elected to the two-year post, edging out state Sen. Joe Markley of Southington and John Pavia of Easton, a business executive and former fundraising chairman for the state GOP.

Supporters say Romano will bring new energy to the party. Cromwell Mayor Enzo Faienza says Romano will kick-start the Republican Party.

Republicans hold no statewide offices in Connecticut and the state's congressional delegation also is all-Democratic.

Romano has been state coordinator for Americans for Prosperity, a group that promotes lower taxes and smaller government. He also was a licensed financial adviser.

The party's most recent chairman, Jerry Labriola Jr., has held the post since 2011. He ruled out another term.