CT Republican seeks to challenge GOP candidate because of online posts
As controversy surrounds the endorsed Republican in the 50th House district, another candidate is trying to give the party a choice over its nominee.
Anthony “Tony” Emilio is rushing to gather the petition signatures needed to force an August primary against Jadon MacCormack.
Emilio said he decided to run late last week after learning about MacCormack’s anti-LGBTQ posts on social media.
“That’s not who I am,” Emilio said during an interview Monday at the Capitol. “That’s not who our party is, and so I think it’s important that he – that someone runs against him and he loses.”
MacCormack was not available for an interview on Monday but reiterated over the phone that he had no intention of backing out, despite calls from party leaders.
MacCormack, of Brooklyn, has been facing criticism and calls to bow out since he called June “anti-Pride month.”
During an interview with NBC Connecticut, he said he stood by the post and his views.
“I made the post in good faith without looking for backlash,” he said on June 3. “It wasn’t a political stunt. It’s my true beliefs. It’s something that I politically stand by to try to fight for our Connecticut residents.”
Since then, he’s used his social media to blast Republican leaders condemning his comments.
Emilio, of Pomfret, said he initially welcomed the 23-year-old MacCormack’s campaign, but that was before he learned of MacCormack’s views.
An NBC Connecticut review of his social media also includes posts that women should not hold political power and question the Holocaust death toll.
The posts have also drawn the attention of Democrats, including Rep. Pat Boyd (D-Pomfret).
“The nomination of a major party candidate who chooses to divide our towns, spread hate, and insult our neighbors is completely tone-deaf to the decent people from all political backgrounds who live here,” Boyd said in a lengthy Facebook post.
Emilio said he wants the focus to be on Republican efforts to shrink government.
Others, including Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), have tried to help Emilio gather signatures in the sprawling district in eastern Connecticut.
“This isn’t about being Republican or Democrat, this is about making sure we’re doing what is right, standing up for people,” he said.
Emilio has until 4 p.m. Tuesday to submit his petitions for the Aug. 11 primary. If he qualifies, MacCormack is automatically eligible for the primary because of the endorsement.
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