Connecticut Utility Talks: Fazio's claims on Lamont texts mixed with fact

Voters in Connecticut are seeing conflicting versions of how closely Governor Ned Lamont interacts with Eversource CEO Joseph Nolan Jr. The central dispute involves text messages that suggest a personal rapport, yet the specific details used by Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio in his campaign materials do not always match the records obtained by news outlets.

The first key point concerns the volume of communication. Fazio's television ads reference several hundred pages of text messages between the two men. The records reviewed by CT Insider show that only three pages of the total hundreds of pages involved direct exchanges between Lamont and Nolan.

The second key point addresses a specific text regarding former aide Jonathan Dach. A Fazio mailer displays a blue text bubble from Lamont that reads "Hire Jonny." The actual records show that Nolan sent the messages suggesting Eversource might hire Dach. Lamont replied intermittently, often noting that state officials were still waiting for documents, but he never texted the phrase "hire Jonny" or any direct equivalent.

The third key point involves the outcome of their negotiations. Nolan urged Lamont to finalize a deal on storm-cost reimbursement, stating, "Pressure is extraordinary with downgrades (from credit-rating agencies)." The two never reached a settlement. State regulators ultimately awarded Eversource $861 million of the $1.36 billion it sought at the time.

Context for this dispute comes from a June 2025 report by CT Insider. The outlet obtained texts from the governor's personal phone covering a three-week period in spring 2025. These messages show Nolan inviting Lamont to a golf event, which the governor declined due to a broken arm and a trip to Paris. Nolan also texted about seeing Lamont at his Hartford residence, asking for help with a board retreat.

Lamont has acknowledged the relationship exists. At a debate, he said, "I do have a relationship with the business leaders of the state. That does not mean I do not hold them accountable." He pointed to the appointment of utility regulator Marissa Gillett, whose strict approach often angered Eversource executives, as evidence of his regulatory stance.

Fazio's campaign also released audio of Nolan speaking to investors. Nolan described having "good relations" with the governors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. He said, "You know you're our friend," referring to the governors collectively, though he never used the specific phrase "He's a friend of ours" in the available documents.

A spokesperson for Fazio stated that "Eversource appears far too comfortable with the governor." The spokesperson added that Nolan's comfort in making demands raises serious questions about the nature of the relationship. An Eversource spokesperson declined to comment on the findings.