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Zullo Defeats Balter for East Haven’s 99th District Seat

Republican Joe Zullo will be the next representative for the 99th District seat after triumphing over Democrat Josh Balter by a margin of 250 votes.

Zullo garnered 1,658 votes over all, with Balter coming in at 1,408. While 14,633 people were on the list to vote during the Feb. 26 special election, only 3,078 votes were cast, a voter turnout of 21 percent.

“Above all, I’m just incredibly thankful to the people of East Haven,” Zullo said. “I was born and raised here and it was just so humbling to have this kind of support.”

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., said he was pleased with the results of the election.

“Thrilled that my close and dear friend, and a hard worker for the community over the last 20 years, Joe Zullo, finally took the 99th District seat away from the Democrats that have held it since about 1986,” he said.

Zullo said that concern over taxes was the number-one issue he heard during his run. He ran his campaign on promises to cut state spending, rein in taxes, and improve the state’s infrastructure without tolling to make it a more attractive place for businesses.

“The second thing I heard the most was how hard-working and responsive James Albis was,” Zullo said. “I know I’m going to have big shoes to fill and I know I’m up to the task…He had a tremendous reputation in East Haven and I think he deserves to be recognized for that.”

Democrat James Albis vacated the seat in January when Governor Ned Lamont appointed him senior advisor to Katie Dykes, the new commissioner of the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

Balter could not be reached for comment.

Zullo has served as town attorney for seven years and intends to continue on in that position.

“There’s no prohibition against it and I do intend to do so,” he said.

“There’s no reason why I should have to look for another town attorney,” Maturo said. “Joe [Zullo] has done wonders for this administration over the past seven years.”

Zullo will be sworn in to the General Assembly on Friday, March 1 in Hartford.

“I’m excited to get to Hartford to be a voice for us,” he said.