Old Saybrook Republican Barbara Labriola Announces Bid for 23rd House District

OLD SAYBROOK, CT – A week after state Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Saybrook, said he will not seek reelection, Republican Barbara Labriola of Old Saybrook announced she is running for the 23rd House District seat.

Labriola, in a Monday news release, identified herself as a three-term Old Saybrook treasurer with a focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility and long‑term financial planning.

She said she wants to bring the same approach to Hartford.

“As Town Treasurer, I’ve worked to make our financial reports clear and accessible so residents can see exactly where every dollar goes,” Labriola said. “I safeguard our town’s funds, ensure our investments are managed wisely, and plan for the future so Old Saybrook remains secure and prosperous.”

Labriola previously served 12 years as Wallingford Town Clerk, is a past president of the New Haven County Town Clerks Association and was appointed by then-Gov. Jodi Rell to the Connecticut Real Estate Commission, where she served as chair. Labriola has been involved in local organizations including the Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission, Knollwood Beach Association and the Ms President mentorship program.

Her husband, Jerry Labriola, served as state Republican Party chairman from 2011–2015 and ran an unsuccessful campaign against state Sen. Martha Marx, D-New London, in 2022.

Labriola said she is running to ensure the 23rd District remains “a strong voice on core issues” in a state that has become unaffordable. 

“We cannot afford to hand this seat to a Democratic supermajority that is out of touch with our community,” she said. “I will fight to protect taxpayers, lower costs, support law enforcement, defend parental rights, strengthen small businesses and preserve the character and quality of life that make our district unique.”

Carney said Labriola has the experience to “get to work on day one” addressing financial challenges affecting the district. 

“As I prepare to step back from public office, my priority is ensuring our shoreline communities continue to have a strong, common-sense voice in Hartford,” he said. “She understands that our district values fiscal responsibility, local control of our schools and protection of our coastal environment.” 

Democrat Jane Wisialowski, who ran against Carney in 2024, filed campaign paperwork in early February but has not yet formally announced her campaign. She was elected to the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen in November.

Barbara and Jerry Labriola have lived in Old Saybrook since 2017. They have four daughters and six grandchildren.