State Rep. Devin Carney Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection After Six Terms

OLD SAYBROOK, CT – State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Saybrook, announced Monday he will not seek reelection this fall after serving six terms representing the 23rd House District that includes Lyme and Old Lyme. 

“Serving the people of the 23rd District has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” he said in a statement announcing his decision. The district also covers Old Saybrook and a portion of Westbrook. 

In a phone interview, he said his life is now moving in a different direction. 

Carney, who was 30 years old when he first took office in 2015, is set to marry Old Lyme’s Sarah Michaelson in June. He said he will be moving back across the Baldwin Bridge from Old Saybrook in July. 

He owns the tax preparation and consulting business Carney & Associates, which he opened after working for several years as a financial analyst for the late John A. Bysko. 

Carney pointed out that his predecessor, Republican Marilyn Giuliano, capped her service to the House at 12 years as well.

“I’m one of those people that believes in term limits, and I think I’ve served my time,” he said. 

Carney has been a ranking member of committees on transportation and government oversight, and a member of the Education and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committees. 

He cited the protection of coastal resources, support for local small businesses and the fight for affordability as highlights of his years in Hartford. 

He will continue to serve out the remainder of his current term through January 2027. 

“I look forward to finishing this term strong and continuing to be an active part of the district I call home,” he said. 

Carney said he plans to remain active in the community and in politics. He currently serves on the board of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook and is involved with the Rotary Club, and said he hopes to become more active with the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce.

He said he has no immediate plans to seek another office, but didn’t rule it out. 

“Am I saying ‘never again’ to an election? No,” he said.

Asked if that includes running locally in Old Lyme, he said he remains open to the possibility. 

“If something comes up, I would certainly consider it,” he said. “I love serving the community. And I always will look for opportunities to give back.”

He said a Republican candidate is expected to announce a campaign later this week. 

Democrat Jane Wisialowski, who garnered 48.5% of the vote in her unsuccessful 2024 bid for the seat, filed to run again in early February but has not yet formally announced her campaign. She was elected to the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen in November.