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==Political career==
==Political career==
===Early years===
===Early years===
In 2006, Lesser was the President of the College Democrats as an undergraduate student at [[Wesleyan University]] in [[Middletown, Connecticut]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}
In 2006, Lesser was the President of the College Democrats as an undergraduate student at [[Wesleyan University]] in [[Middletown, Connecticut]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}


Lesser was elected as Chairman of the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.<ref>Olivia Drake, [http://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/11/11/lesser-10-state-rep-elect-for-middletown/ Lesser '10 State Rep. Elect for Middletown], Wesleyan University (November 11, 2008).</ref>
Lesser was elected as Chairman of the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.<ref name=Drake>Olivia Drake, [https://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2008/11/11/lesser-10-state-rep-elect-for-middletown/ Lesser '10 State Rep. Elect for Middletown], Wesleyan University (November 11, 2008).</ref>


===State House===
===State House===
On May 20, 2008, Lesser, then a student at [[Wesleyan University]], was selected to run as the second youngest candidate for State Representative at the Democratic 100th District Convention.<ref>{{cite news | title=Convention Updates | date=2008-05-21 | url =http://ctlocalpolitics.net/2008/05/21/convention-updates/ | accessdate = 2008-06-15 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wesleyan.edu/alumni/gold/features/matt-lesser-10.html |title=06459 › Matt Lesser '10 State Representative &#91;Wesleyan University&#93; |access-date=2011-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105080209/http://www.wesleyan.edu/alumni/gold/features/matt-lesser-10.html |archive-date=2011-01-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lesser received the endorsement of then-Connecticut Secretary of State [[Susan Bysiewicz]], who once held the 100th District State representative seat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnaJNbwwQoE |title= Susan Bysiewicz at 100th House District Convention |website= [[YouTube]] |accessdate=2008-06-15 |date=2008-05-21 }}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Lesser also received support from [[Thomas Gaffey|State Senator Tom Gaffey]] and Middletown DTC Chairman Dan Russo.<ref>{{cite news | title=Matt Lesser Nominated in 100th District | url =http://www.spazeboy.net/2008/05/matt-lesser-nominated-in-100th-district/ | accessdate = 2008-06-15 }}</ref> Lesser defeated three-term incumbent Ray Kalinowski.<ref>{{cite news | title=Candidate Cites His Experience | date=2008-06-10 | work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] | url =http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/hc-1diglet0610.art0jun10,0,3549156.story | accessdate = 2008-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Stay With Ray | date=2008-06-13 | newspaper=The Town Times| url=http://es1.tecnavia.com/ee/recordjournalpublishing/default.php?pSetup=towntimes | pages=8 & 20 | accessdate=2008-06-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621081758/http://es1.tecnavia.com/ee/recordjournalpublishing/default.php?pSetup=towntimes | archive-date=2008-06-21 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
In May 2008, Lesser, then a student at [[Wesleyan University]], was selected to run as the second youngest candidate for State Representative at the Democratic 100th District Convention.<ref>{{cite news | title=Convention Updates | date=2008-05-21 | url =http://ctlocalpolitics.net/2008/05/21/convention-updates/ | accessdate = 2008-06-15 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wesleyan.edu/alumni/gold/features/matt-lesser-10.html |title=06459 › Matt Lesser '10 State Representative &#91;Wesleyan University&#93; |access-date=2011-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105080209/http://www.wesleyan.edu/alumni/gold/features/matt-lesser-10.html |archive-date=2011-01-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lesser received the endorsement of then-Connecticut Secretary of State [[Susan Bysiewicz]], who once held the 100th District State representative seat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnaJNbwwQoE |title= Susan Bysiewicz at 100th House District Convention |website= [[YouTube]] |accessdate=2008-06-15 |date=2008-05-21 }}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Lesser also received support from [[Thomas Gaffey|State Senator Tom Gaffey]] and Middletown DTC Chairman Dan Russo.<ref>{{cite news | title=Matt Lesser Nominated in 100th District | url =http://www.spazeboy.net/2008/05/matt-lesser-nominated-in-100th-district/ | accessdate = 2008-06-15 }}</ref> Lesser defeated three-term Republican incumbent Ray Kalinowski.<ref>{{cite news | title=Candidate Cites His Experience | date=2008-06-10 | work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] | url =http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/hc-1diglet0610.art0jun10,0,3549156.story | accessdate = 2008-06-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Stay With Ray | date=2008-06-13 | newspaper=The Town Times| url=http://es1.tecnavia.com/ee/recordjournalpublishing/default.php?pSetup=towntimes | pages=8 & 20 | accessdate=2008-06-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621081758/http://es1.tecnavia.com/ee/recordjournalpublishing/default.php?pSetup=towntimes | archive-date=2008-06-21 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Lesser took a leave of absence from Wesleyan in the fall 2008 semester,<ref name=Drake/> and graduated in 2010.<ref>Olivia Drake, [https://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2020/11/09/wesleyan-alumni-staff-win-local-national-elections/ Wesleyan Alumni, Staff Win Local, National Elections], ''The Wesleyan Connection'' (November 9, 2020).</ref>


In the state House, Lesser served as the chairman of the Banking Committee. Additionally, he sat on the Government Administration and Elections and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.<ref name="ct.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Lesser/Biography|title=Biography|date=17 December 2015|accessdate=26 January 2018}}</ref>
In the state House, Lesser served as the chairman of the Banking Committee. Additionally, he sat on the Government Administration and Elections and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.<ref name="ct.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Lesser/Biography|title=Biography|date=17 December 2015|accessdate=26 January 2018}}</ref>
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===State Senate===
===State Senate===
Lesser announced a run for state senator in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctpost.com/middletown/article/Middletown-state-Rep-Lesser-running-for-9th-12934335.php|title=Middletown state Rep. Lesser running for 9th District Senate|date=2018-05-23|website=Connecticut Post|access-date=2019-05-27}}</ref> He won the August 2018 primary against former state representative [https://ballotpedia.org/Antonio_Guerrera Antonio Guerrera].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/community/middletown/hc-pol-9th-senate-primary-20180814-story.html|title=Matt Lesser Wins Democratic 9th Senate Primary|last=Beals|first=Shawn R.|website=courant.com|access-date=2019-05-28}}</ref> The general election featured some controversy when the campaign of Republican candidate [https://ballotpedia.org/Ed_Charamut Ed Charamut] sent out a mailer to voters attacking Lesser, featuring an altered image of Lesser clutching $100 bills; the mailer garnered national media attention and was denounced for its use of antisemitic tropes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/30/nyregion/jewish-mailer-matt-lesser.html|title=Political Mailer Prompts Charges of Anti-Semitism|last=Foderaro|first=Lisa W.|date=2018-10-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-05-27|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/10/31/republican-mailer-depicts-jewish-candidate-gripping-cash-grinning-gop-is-defending-it/|title=Republican mailer depicts a Jewish candidate gripping cash and grinning. The GOP is no longer defending it.|last=Rosenberg|first=Eli|date=October 31, 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> Lesser won the general election in November and was appointed as Senate Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee in the following month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/community/middletown/hc-election-9th-senate-district-20181106-story.html|title=Lesser Wins 9th Senate District In Race That Gained National Attention For Anti-Semitism Charges|last=Beals|first=Shawn R.|website=courant.com|access-date=2019-05-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtnh.com/news/politics/senator-elect-matt-lesser-appointed-to-co-chair-of-the-insurance-and-real-estate-committee/1676563993|title=Senator-Elect Matt Lesser appointed to Co-Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee|last=Ramirez|first=Hector|date=2018-12-27|website=WTNH|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-04}}</ref>
Lesser announced a run for state senator in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctpost.com/middletown/article/Middletown-state-Rep-Lesser-running-for-9th-12934335.php|title=Middletown state Rep. Lesser running for 9th District Senate|date=2018-05-23|website=Connecticut Post|access-date=2019-05-27}}</ref> He won the August 2018 primary against former state representative Antonio Guerrera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/community/middletown/hc-pol-9th-senate-primary-20180814-story.html|title=Matt Lesser Wins Democratic 9th Senate Primary|last=Beals|first=Shawn R.|website=courant.com|access-date=2019-05-28}}</ref> The general election featured some controversy when the campaign of Republican candidate Ed Charamut sent out a mailer to voters attacking Lesser, featuring an altered image of Lesser clutching $100 bills; the mailer garnered national media attention and was denounced for its use of antisemitic tropes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/30/nyregion/jewish-mailer-matt-lesser.html|title=Political Mailer Prompts Charges of Anti-Semitism|last=Foderaro|first=Lisa W.|date=2018-10-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-05-27|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/10/31/republican-mailer-depicts-jewish-candidate-gripping-cash-grinning-gop-is-defending-it/|title=Republican mailer depicts a Jewish candidate gripping cash and grinning. The GOP is no longer defending it.|last=Rosenberg|first=Eli|date=October 31, 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> Lesser won the general election in November and was appointed as Senate Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee in the following month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/community/middletown/hc-election-9th-senate-district-20181106-story.html|title=Lesser Wins 9th Senate District In Race That Gained National Attention For Anti-Semitism Charges|last=Beals|first=Shawn R.|website=courant.com|access-date=2019-05-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtnh.com/news/politics/senator-elect-matt-lesser-appointed-to-co-chair-of-the-insurance-and-real-estate-committee/1676563993|title=Senator-Elect Matt Lesser appointed to Co-Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee|last=Ramirez|first=Hector|date=2018-12-27|website=WTNH|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-04}}</ref>


As a state senator, Lesser has written laws to guarantee [[mental health parity]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2019/07/08/mental-health-parity-bill-signed-into-law|title=Mental health parity bill signed into law|last=Carlesso|first=Jenna|date=2019-07-19|website=CT Mirror|access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref> expand access to [[epinephrine]] devices and [[EpiPen]]s in public venues,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middletownpress.com/middletown/article/New-CT-law-makes-epinephrine-devices-EpiPens-14067120.php|title=New CT law makes epinephrine devices, EpiPens available in public venues|date=2019-07-07|website=Middletown Press|access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref> and to cap the cost of [[insulin]] at $25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2020/co-pays-for-insulin-and-diabetes-medications-capped-at-25-in-CT|title=Co-Pays for Insulin and Diabetes Medications Capped at $25 in Connecticut}}</ref> In the 2019 [[Legislative session#State legislatures|legislative session]], Lesser sponsored a health care reform effort to create a [[public health insurance option]] in the state of Connecticut (dubbed "the Connecticut Option")<ref name="Celebrate2">{{Cite web |date=2019-05-03 |title=Connecticut lawmakers celebrate health care public option bill |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/middletown/article/Connecticut-lawmakers-celebrate-health-care-13817250.php |access-date=2019-05-04 |website=The Middletown Press}}</ref><ref name="ClearComm2">{{Cite web |date=2019-03-19 |title=Public option health insurance bills clear committee |url=https://ctmirror.org/2019/03/19/public-option-health-insurance-bills-clear-committee/ |access-date=2019-05-04 |website=The CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref> that ultimately failed amid opposition from health insurers.<ref>Shefali Luthra, [https://khn.org/news/connecticut-public-option-battle-insurers-pushback-federal-health-care-reform/ Insurers Sank Connecticut's 'Public Option.' Would A National Version Survive?], KHN (March 4, 2020).</ref>
As a state senator, Lesser has written laws to guarantee [[mental health parity]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ctmirror.org/2019/07/08/mental-health-parity-bill-signed-into-law|title=Mental health parity bill signed into law|last=Carlesso|first=Jenna|date=2019-07-19|website=CT Mirror|access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref> expand access to [[epinephrine]] devices and [[EpiPen]]s in public venues,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middletownpress.com/middletown/article/New-CT-law-makes-epinephrine-devices-EpiPens-14067120.php|title=New CT law makes epinephrine devices, EpiPens available in public venues|date=2019-07-07|website=Middletown Press|access-date=2020-10-05}}</ref> and to [[Prescription drug prices in the United States|cap the cost]] of [[Insulin (medication)|insulin]] at $25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2020/co-pays-for-insulin-and-diabetes-medications-capped-at-25-in-CT|title=Co-Pays for Insulin and Diabetes Medications Capped at $25 in Connecticut}}</ref> In the 2019 [[Legislative session#State legislatures|legislative session]], Lesser sponsored a health care reform effort to create a [[public health insurance option]] in the state of Connecticut (dubbed "the Connecticut Option")<ref name="Celebrate2">{{Cite web |date=2019-05-03 |title=Connecticut lawmakers celebrate health care public option bill |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/middletown/article/Connecticut-lawmakers-celebrate-health-care-13817250.php |access-date=2019-05-04 |website=The Middletown Press}}</ref><ref name="ClearComm2">{{Cite web |date=2019-03-19 |title=Public option health insurance bills clear committee |url=https://ctmirror.org/2019/03/19/public-option-health-insurance-bills-clear-committee/ |access-date=2019-05-04 |website=The CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref> that ultimately failed amid opposition from health insurers.<ref>Shefali Luthra, [https://khn.org/news/connecticut-public-option-battle-insurers-pushback-federal-health-care-reform/ Insurers Sank Connecticut's 'Public Option.' Would A National Version Survive?], KHN (March 4, 2020).</ref>


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Lesser wrote a law expanding access to [[telehealth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senatedems.ct.gov/lesser-news/3338-lesser-200728#sthash.cIb5oeqM.dpbs|title=Senator Lesser Leads Passage of Telehealth and Insulin Bills}}</ref> In 2023, however, Lesser, along with other legislators and staff, became positive with [[COVID-19]], requiring the General Assembly to implement a masking policy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lesser |first=Matt |date=May 29, 2023 |title=@MattLesser |url=https://x.com/MattLesser/status/1663197384002682881?t=iXkAlUaCy5wKZrPRenaRkw&s=19 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=X.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McQuaid |first=Hugh |date=2023-05-30 |title=Senate Masking Requirements Return Amid New COVID Cases |url=https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2023/05/30/senate-requirements-return-amid-new-covid-cases/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT News Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Dixon, Ken. (May 30, 2023). 'COVID infections in state Senate prompt CT lawmakers to make changes.' CT Insider.
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Lesser wrote a law expanding access to [[telehealth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senatedems.ct.gov/lesser-news/3338-lesser-200728#sthash.cIb5oeqM.dpbs|title=Senator Lesser Leads Passage of Telehealth and Insulin Bills}}</ref> In 2023, however, Lesser, along with other legislators and staff, became positive with [[COVID-19]], requiring the General Assembly to implement a masking policy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lesser |first=Matt |date=May 29, 2023 |title=@MattLesser |url=https://x.com/MattLesser/status/1663197384002682881?t=iXkAlUaCy5wKZrPRenaRkw&s=19 |access-date=August 21, 2024 |website=X.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McQuaid |first=Hugh |date=2023-05-30 |title=Senate Masking Requirements Return Amid New COVID Cases |url=https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2023/05/30/senate-requirements-return-amid-new-covid-cases/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT News Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>Dixon, Ken. (May 30, 2023). 'COVID infections in state Senate prompt CT lawmakers to make changes.' CT Insider.
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<nowiki>https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/covid-infection-state-senate-forces-return-masks-18125191.php</nowiki></ref> He was absent from several votes while in [[Isolation (health care)|isolation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-31 |title=Senate Democrats vote to bring early voting to Connecticut in 2024 |url=https://www.wshu.org/connecticut-news/2023-05-31/senate-democrats-vote-to-bring-early-voting-to-connecticut-in-2024 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=WSHU |language=en}}</ref>
<nowiki>https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/covid-infection-state-senate-forces-return-masks-18125191.php</nowiki></ref> He was absent from several votes while in [[Isolation (health care)|isolation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-31 |title=Senate Democrats vote to bring early voting to Connecticut in 2024 |url=https://www.wshu.org/connecticut-news/2023-05-31/senate-democrats-vote-to-bring-early-voting-to-connecticut-in-2024 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=WSHU |language=en}}</ref>


⚫
In 2023, Lesser opposed funding of [[Steve Perry (educator)|Steve Perry]]'s Capital Preparatory Charter School (CPREP) in Middletown; funding for the [[charter school]] was initially allocated by the Appropriations Committee, but was removed from the budget after eleventh-hour maneuvering on the [[Adjournment sine die|last day]] of the 2023 [[Legislative session#State legislatures|legislative session]]. The decision was condemned by various Black community leaders, and criticized by the Connecticut [[NAACP]] and its [[Middlesex County, Connecticut|Middlesex County]] chapter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otte |first=Emilia |date=2023-03-13 |title=Capital Prep Wins Approval, But Matt Lesser Says Charter School Still has 'Work to Do' |url=https://ctexaminer.com/2023/03/13/capital-prep-wins-approval-but-state-funding-and-loss-for-middletown-public-schools-at-issue/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=CT Examiner |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Deidre |last=Montague |date=2023-06-05 |title=CT NAACP, others push for funding for Middletown charter school, as 'where you live matters' |url=https://www.courant.com/2023/06/05/ct-naacp-others-push-for-funding-for-middletown-charter-school-as-where-you-live-matters/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="mp">{{Cite web |last=Portfolio |first=Meghan |date=2024-01-22 |title=Black Leaders Call for Sen. Lesser's Removal from Black and Puerto Rican Caucus |url=https://yankeeinstitute.org/2024/01/22/30059/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Yankee Institute |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=jh>{{Cite web |first=Jessika |last=Harkay |date=2023-06-09 |title=Two of four proposed CT charter schools left out of state budget |url=https://www.courant.com/2023/06/09/two-of-four-proposed-ct-charter-schools-left-out-of-state-budget/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}</ref>
During Lesser's [[2022 Connecticut Secretary of the State election#Controversy|election bid for Secretary of the State in 2022]], he faced backlash for attempting to change the order of [[Ballot|balloting]] at the Democratic State Convention in the final hours. He pushed to have his race listed at the top rather than the end, a strategic move driven by the belief that his chances of endorsement might diminish if several white male candidates were considered before him. Notably, two leading contenders for the endorsement were women of color, and the eventual nominee was [[Stephanie Thomas (politician)|Stephanie Thomas]], the current [[Secretary of the State of Connecticut|Secretary of State]].<ref name=mp/>


In March 2023, Lesser, a former co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, engaged in lengthy questioning of fellow Democrat and current Committee Co-Chair [[Kerry Szeps Wood]] in a [[filibuster]] intended to stall discussion on H.B. 6710, a a bill to allow trade associations to offer certain [[Health insurance in the United States|health insurance plans]] to their members.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Erica E. |date=2023-03-17 |title=Sen. Matt Lesser filibusters bill for trade groups to offer health plans |url=https://ctmirror.org/2023/03/17/ct-politics-matt-lesser-trade-association-health-insurance-cos/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Christine |date=2023-03-15 |title=Former Insurance Committee Co-Chair Takes A Stand Against Association Health Plans |url=https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2023/03/15/former-insurance-committee-co-chair-takes-a-stand-against-association-health-plans/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT News Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> The bill attracted bipartisan support, but also opposition from patient advocates who feared that the plans permitted by the bill would destabilize insurance markets and possibly discriminate against policyholders with illnesses or disabilities.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Erica E. |date=2023-03-17 |title=Sen. Matt Lesser filibusters bill for trade groups to offer health plans |url=https://ctmirror.org/2023/03/17/ct-politics-matt-lesser-trade-association-health-insurance-cos/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref>
In March 2023, Lesser, a former co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, engaged in lengthy questioning of fellow Democrat and current Committee Co-Chair [[Kerry Szeps Wood]] in a [[filibuster]] intended to stall discussion on H.B. 6710, a a bill to allow trade associations to offer certain [[Health insurance in the United States|health insurance plans]] to their members.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Erica E. |date=2023-03-17 |title=Sen. Matt Lesser filibusters bill for trade groups to offer health plans |url=https://ctmirror.org/2023/03/17/ct-politics-matt-lesser-trade-association-health-insurance-cos/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT Mirror |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Christine |date=2023-03-15 |title=Former Insurance Committee Co-Chair Takes A Stand Against Association Health Plans |url=https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2023/03/15/former-insurance-committee-co-chair-takes-a-stand-against-association-health-plans/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=CT News Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> The bill attracted bipartisan support, but also opposition from patient advocates who feared that the plans permitted by the bill would destabilize insurance markets and possibly discriminate against policyholders with illnesses or disabilities.<ref name=":2"/> After Governor [[Ned Lamont]]'s staff agreed to "mediate" issues raised by Lesser, he ended questioning and voted "no" on the bill.<ref name=":2"/>

⚫
On January 14, 2024, an online petition initiated by Black community leaders criticized Lesser for withdrawing funding for Middletown's first charter school. In 2023, Lesser opposed funding of [[Steve Perry (educator)|Steve Perry]]'s Capital Preparatory Charter School (CPREP) in Middletown; funding for the [[charter school]] was initially allocated by the Appropriations Committee, but was removed from the budget after eleventh-hour maneuvering on the [[Adjournment sine die|last day]] of the 2023 [[Legislative session#State legislatures|legislative session]]. The decision was condemned by various Black community leaders, and criticized by the Connecticut [[NAACP]] and its [[Middlesex County, Connecticut|Middlesex County]] chapter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otte |first=Emilia |date=2023-03-13 |title=Capital Prep Wins Approval, But Matt Lesser Says Charter School Still has 'Work to Do' |url=https://ctexaminer.com/2023/03/13/capital-prep-wins-approval-but-state-funding-and-loss-for-middletown-public-schools-at-issue/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=CT Examiner |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Deidre |last=Montague |date=2023-06-05 |title=CT NAACP, others push for funding for Middletown charter school, as 'where you live matters' |url=https://www.courant.com/2023/06/05/ct-naacp-others-push-for-funding-for-middletown-charter-school-as-where-you-live-matters/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="mp">{{Cite web |last=Portfolio |first=Meghan |date=2024-01-22 |title=Black Leaders Call for Sen. Lesser's Removal from Black and Puerto Rican Caucus |url=https://yankeeinstitute.org/2024/01/22/30059/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Yankee Institute |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=jh>{{Cite web |first=Jessika |last=Harkay |date=2023-06-09 |title=Two of four proposed CT charter schools left out of state budget |url=https://www.courant.com/2023/06/09/two-of-four-proposed-ct-charter-schools-left-out-of-state-budget/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Hartford Courant |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Lesser grew up in [[Washington, D.C.]] and now lives in Middletown's North End with his wife Sarah, their two children, and their dog Lucy. Lesser has never held a [[Work (human activity)|job]] outside of [[elected office]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Lesser |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Matthew_Lesser |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}}</ref> His mother is from [[Argentina#Ethnography|Argentina]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=26 February 2013 |title='Matt Lesser asks to join Black & Latino caucus.' |url=https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Matt-Lesser-asks-to-join-Black-Latino-caucus-11419523.php |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=New Haven Register}}</ref>
Lesser grew up in [[Washington, D.C.]] and now lives in Middletown's North End with his wife Sarah, their two children, and their dog Lucy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Lesser |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Matthew_Lesser |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Ballotpedia |language=en}}</ref> His mother is from [[Argentina#Ethnography|Argentina]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=26 February 2013 |title='Matt Lesser asks to join Black & Latino caucus.' |url=https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Matt-Lesser-asks-to-join-Black-Latino-caucus-11419523.php |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=New Haven Register}}</ref>


== Electoral history ==
== Electoral history ==

Revision as of 03:17, 25 August 2024

Matt Lesser
File:Matt Lesser.jpg
Member of the Connecticut Senate
from the 9th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Preceded byPaul Doyle
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
from the 100th district
In office
January, 2009 – January 9, 2019
Preceded byRaymond Kalinowski
Succeeded byQuentin Williams
Personal details
Born (1983-04-29) April 29, 1983 (age 41)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceMiddletown
EducationWesleyan University (incomplete)

Matthew L. Lesser is an American politician who represents the 9th district in the Connecticut State Senate. First elected to the State House in 2008, Lesser was re-elected in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. In 2020 he was re-elected as state senator for the 9th district, winning 55.6% of the vote.[1] Lesser unsuccessfully ran for Connecticut's Secretary of the State in 2022, dropping out after failing to receive the Democratic Party of Connecticut's endorsement of his candidacy.[2]

Political career

Early years

In 2006, Lesser was the President of the College Democrats as an undergraduate student at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.[citation needed]

Lesser was elected as Chairman of the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.[3]

State House

In May 2008, Lesser, then a student at Wesleyan University, was selected to run as the second youngest candidate for State Representative at the Democratic 100th District Convention.[4][5] Lesser received the endorsement of then-Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who once held the 100th District State representative seat.[6] Lesser also received support from State Senator Tom Gaffey and Middletown DTC Chairman Dan Russo.[7] Lesser defeated three-term Republican incumbent Ray Kalinowski.[8][9] Lesser took a leave of absence from Wesleyan in the fall 2008 semester,[3] and graduated in 2010.[10]

In the state House, Lesser served as the chairman of the Banking Committee. Additionally, he sat on the Government Administration and Elections and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.[11]

Since taking office in 2009, Lesser has written and passed a number of laws, including Connecticut's first in the nation Student Loan Bill of Rights,[12] an act prohibiting fracking waste from being dumped in Connecticut,[13] and updated workplace safety standards.[11]

In 2012, Lesser was elected to the Democratic Party's National Platform Committee.[14]

In 2017, Lesser considered running for Connecticut Secretary of the State in 2018 and formed an exploratory committee, but said he would only run if Denise W. Merrill did not seek election.[15]

State Senate

Lesser announced a run for state senator in May 2018.[16] He won the August 2018 primary against former state representative Antonio Guerrera.[17] The general election featured some controversy when the campaign of Republican candidate Ed Charamut sent out a mailer to voters attacking Lesser, featuring an altered image of Lesser clutching $100 bills; the mailer garnered national media attention and was denounced for its use of antisemitic tropes.[18][19] Lesser won the general election in November and was appointed as Senate Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee in the following month.[20][21]

As a state senator, Lesser has written laws to guarantee mental health parity,[22] expand access to epinephrine devices and EpiPens in public venues,[23] and to cap the cost of insulin at $25.[24] In the 2019 legislative session, Lesser sponsored a health care reform effort to create a public health insurance option in the state of Connecticut (dubbed "the Connecticut Option")[25][26] that ultimately failed amid opposition from health insurers.[27]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lesser wrote a law expanding access to telehealth.[28] In 2023, however, Lesser, along with other legislators and staff, became positive with COVID-19, requiring the General Assembly to implement a masking policy.[29][30][31] He was absent from several votes while in isolation.[32]

In 2023, Lesser opposed funding of Steve Perry's Capital Preparatory Charter School (CPREP) in Middletown; funding for the charter school was initially allocated by the Appropriations Committee, but was removed from the budget after eleventh-hour maneuvering on the last day of the 2023 legislative session. The decision was condemned by various Black community leaders, and criticized by the Connecticut NAACP and its Middlesex County chapter.[33][34][35][36]

In March 2023, Lesser, a former co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, engaged in lengthy questioning of fellow Democrat and current Committee Co-Chair Kerry Szeps Wood in a filibuster intended to stall discussion on H.B. 6710, a a bill to allow trade associations to offer certain health insurance plans to their members.[37][38] The bill attracted bipartisan support, but also opposition from patient advocates who feared that the plans permitted by the bill would destabilize insurance markets and possibly discriminate against policyholders with illnesses or disabilities.[37] After Governor Ned Lamont's staff agreed to "mediate" issues raised by Lesser, he ended questioning and voted "no" on the bill.[37]

Personal life

Lesser grew up in Washington, D.C. and now lives in Middletown's North End with his wife Sarah, their two children, and their dog Lucy.[39] His mother is from Argentina.[40]

Electoral history

Lesser withdrew his name from the 2022 Connecticut Secretary of the State election after failing to receive the Democratic Party of Connecticut's endorsement of his candidacy.[2]

Elections for State House

Connecticut 100th House District Election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Raymond C. Kalinowski *(incumbent) 5,787 48.3
Democratic Matt Lesser 6,186 51.7
Connecticut 100th House District Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Swewczyk 4,433 48.2
Democratic Matt Lesser* 4,756 51.8
Connecticut 100th House District Election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Deborah A. Kleckowksi 3,057 31.4
Democratic Matt Lesser* 6, 677 68.6
Connecticut 100th House District Election, 2014
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matt Lesser* 4,558 63
Republican Angel R. Fernandez 2,138 29.6
Working Families Matt Lesser 537 7.4
Connecticut 100th House District Election, 2016 [41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matt Lesser* 6,417 62.61
Republican Anthony R.J. Moran 3,136 30.60
Working Families Matt Lesser 696 6.79

Elections for State Senate

Connecticut 9th Senate District Election, 2018[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matt Lesser 22,724 54.22
Republican Ed Charamut 17,674 42.15
Working Families Matt Lesser 1,519 3.62
+Connecticut 9th Senate District Election, 2020
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matt Lesser* 29,473 54.85
Republican Richie Ruglio 21,609 40.22
Independent Richie Ruglio 1,139 2.12
Working Families Matt Lesser
Connecticut 9th Senate District Election, 2022[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matt Lesser* 19,593 52.94
Republican Lisa J. Marotta 16,440 44.42
Working Families Matt Lesser 632 1.71
Independent Matt Lesser 346 0.93

References

  1. ^ a b "Connecticut State Senate elections, 2022". Ballotpedia.org.
  2. ^ a b Putterman, Alex (May 10, 2022). ""Matt Lesser drops out of CT secretary of the state race after missing Democratic endorsement."". CTInsider.
  3. ^ a b Olivia Drake, Lesser '10 State Rep. Elect for Middletown, Wesleyan University (November 11, 2008).
  4. ^ "Convention Updates". 2008-05-21. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  5. ^ "06459 › Matt Lesser '10 State Representative [Wesleyan University]". Archived from the original on 2011-01-05. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
  6. ^ "Susan Bysiewicz at 100th House District Convention". YouTube. 2008-05-21. Retrieved 2008-06-15.[dead YouTube link]
  7. ^ "Matt Lesser Nominated in 100th District". Retrieved 2008-06-15.
  8. ^ "Candidate Cites His Experience". The Baltimore Sun. 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  9. ^ "Stay With Ray". The Town Times. 2008-06-13. pp. 8 & 20. Archived from the original on 2008-06-21. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
  10. ^ Olivia Drake, Wesleyan Alumni, Staff Win Local, National Elections, The Wesleyan Connection (November 9, 2020).
  11. ^ a b "Biography". 17 December 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  12. ^ "State Representative Matthew Lesser". www2.housedems.ct.gov. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  13. ^ "No fracking in Connecticut, but what about its waste?". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  14. ^ "Drew, Lesser named to Democratic Party leadership posts". New Haven Register. August 9, 2012.
  15. ^ Day, Cassandra. (July 7, 2017). 'Connecticut state Rep. Matt Lesser raises $58,000 for possible 2018 secretary of the state bid.' New Haven Register https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Connecticut-state-Rep-Matt-Lesser-raises-58-000-11308863.php
  16. ^ "Middletown state Rep. Lesser running for 9th District Senate". Connecticut Post. 2018-05-23. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  17. ^ Beals, Shawn R. "Matt Lesser Wins Democratic 9th Senate Primary". courant.com. Retrieved 2019-05-28.
  18. ^ Foderaro, Lisa W. (2018-10-30). "Political Mailer Prompts Charges of Anti-Semitism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-05-27.
  19. ^ Rosenberg, Eli (October 31, 2018). "Republican mailer depicts a Jewish candidate gripping cash and grinning. The GOP is no longer defending it". Washington Post. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  20. ^ Beals, Shawn R. "Lesser Wins 9th Senate District In Race That Gained National Attention For Anti-Semitism Charges". courant.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  21. ^ Ramirez, Hector (2018-12-27). "Senator-Elect Matt Lesser appointed to Co-Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee". WTNH. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  22. ^ Carlesso, Jenna (2019-07-19). "Mental health parity bill signed into law". CT Mirror. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  23. ^ "New CT law makes epinephrine devices, EpiPens available in public venues". Middletown Press. 2019-07-07. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  24. ^ "Co-Pays for Insulin and Diabetes Medications Capped at $25 in Connecticut".
  25. ^ "Connecticut lawmakers celebrate health care public option bill". The Middletown Press. 2019-05-03. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  26. ^ "Public option health insurance bills clear committee". The CT Mirror. 2019-03-19. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  27. ^ Shefali Luthra, Insurers Sank Connecticut's 'Public Option.' Would A National Version Survive?, KHN (March 4, 2020).
  28. ^ "Senator Lesser Leads Passage of Telehealth and Insulin Bills".
  29. ^ Lesser, Matt (May 29, 2023). "@MattLesser". X.com. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  30. ^ McQuaid, Hugh (2023-05-30). "Senate Masking Requirements Return Amid New COVID Cases". CT News Junkie. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  31. ^ Dixon, Ken. (May 30, 2023). 'COVID infections in state Senate prompt CT lawmakers to make changes.' CT Insider. https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/covid-infection-state-senate-forces-return-masks-18125191.php
  32. ^ "Senate Democrats vote to bring early voting to Connecticut in 2024". WSHU. 2023-05-31. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  33. ^ Otte, Emilia (2023-03-13). "Capital Prep Wins Approval, But Matt Lesser Says Charter School Still has 'Work to Do'". CT Examiner. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  34. ^ Montague, Deidre (2023-06-05). "CT NAACP, others push for funding for Middletown charter school, as 'where you live matters'". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  35. ^ Portfolio, Meghan (2024-01-22). "Black Leaders Call for Sen. Lesser's Removal from Black and Puerto Rican Caucus". Yankee Institute. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  36. ^ Harkay, Jessika (2023-06-09). "Two of four proposed CT charter schools left out of state budget". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  37. ^ a b c Phillips, Erica E. (2023-03-17). "Sen. Matt Lesser filibusters bill for trade groups to offer health plans". CT Mirror. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  38. ^ Stuart, Christine (2023-03-15). "Former Insurance Committee Co-Chair Takes A Stand Against Association Health Plans". CT News Junkie. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  39. ^ "Matthew Lesser". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  40. ^ "'Matt Lesser asks to join Black & Latino caucus.'". New Haven Register. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  41. ^ "Connecticut 100th District State House Results: Matt Lesser Wins". The New York Times. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  42. ^ Beals, Shawn R. "Lesser Wins 9th Senate District In Race That Gained National Attention For Anti-Semitism Charges". courant.com. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
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