Cheryl Lounsbury to Seek House Seat in November Election

Republicans are mounting an effort to take the 81st House District back from long-time Democratic incumbent Bruce “Zeke” Zalaski and the challenge lies in the hands of one of the recently elected Town Council members.

Cheryl Lounsbury, the former chairwoman of the Southington Republican Town Committee, will announce her intentions to run for the district seat this Saturday at . She cited her experience in government and concerns regarding the focus of House Democrats as the reasons behind her decision.

“I’m excited about running for this State House seat,” she said. “My previous experience working for Congresswoman Nancy Johnson allowed me to work with both the state and federal government."

The announcement comes a little more than a week after Zalaski and fellow Democrat Joseph Aresimowicz clashed with Republican Sen. Joseph Markley and Republican Rep. Rob Sampson hosted by the at the Manor Inn.

Lounsbury has served several terms on the Town Council, including as a current member of the Republican controlled board.

“My priority will be to keep the focus on state economy and jobs. I believe that Democrats are using social issues – schools, the death penalty, etc. – to distract voters from what really needs to be done, which passing realistic budgets, and building an economic environment designed to encourages business growth and therefore jobs,” she said in an email release.

Lounsbury will officially make her announcement on Saturday. She said all are welcome and she will discuss her plans in more detail at that time.