Connecticut House Speaker says no discipline for Rep. Anne Hughes
The speaker cited a one-time error after Hughes was charged with larceny for taking an opponent's campaign signs.
By Noor Phillips ·
House Speaker Matt Ritter announced on Monday that he will not take disciplinary action against state Rep. Anne Hughes. Ritter, a Democrat from Hartford, stated that Hughes assured him the incident was a one-time occurrence. "I've talked to Rep. Hughes and been assured this won't happen again," Ritter said. "We move on."
Hughes represents Easton, Redding, and Weston in her fourth two-year term. She was charged with sixth-degree larceny, a misdemeanor, last week. Police said Hughes took several lawn signs promoting the candidacy of Republican Darrell Harris. The signs were located along Judd Road and state Route 59. Officers traced the signs to Hughes using an AirTag.
On Saturday, Hughes posted an apology on Facebook. She stated that she should have filed a complaint with local police or Harris's campaign regarding the sign placement. The state Department of Transportation recently told political campaigns that signs are not permitted on state property. The DOT listed highways, roadways, railways, transit facilities, and rights-of-way as prohibited areas. The agency noted that it would collect and store any signs found on state property in nearby facilities.
Ritter confirmed he spoke directly with Hughes and determined no further action was needed. The decision ends the internal review of the matter within the House leadership.
