Ritter elected speaker as Connecticut House organizes for 2025 session; rules adopted

The Connecticut House of Representatives elected Matthew Ritter as speaker and adopted the chamber’s rules for the 2025–26 legislative session during its Jan. 8 opening convening at the State Capitol in Hartford.

The nominations and votes set House leadership and several administrative measures that will guide committee work and the floor calendar over the next five months. Majority Leader Jason Rojas led the effort to adopt the House rules, which include a provision noted by Minority Leader Vincent Candelora that will allow chairs and ranking members to require in-person attendance to participate in committee meetings.

Representative Kendall Laura nominated Matthew Ritter for speaker; Representative Jason Rojas seconded the nomination. The House held a voice vote and the presiding officer declared, “Matthew Ritter is elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.” Ritter thanked colleagues and said the chamber’s work depends on mutual trust. “I…