GOP candidate stands by ‘Anti-Pride Month’ message despite backlash
Jadon MacCormack (Facebook/Jadon for the 50th)
A Republican candidate for the Connecticut House of Representatives is facing bipartisan criticism after posting an “Anti-Pride Month” message on social media, and he’s doubled down on his message in response.
Jadon MacCormack, 23, declared that “it’s American to be Anti-Pride Month” in a 2 June Facebook post, before vowing to oppose what he described as the LGBTQ+ “movement” if elected.
The post drew sharp condemnation from members of both parties. Vincent J. Candelora, the top Republican in the state House, called the remarks “immature and reckless” in a statement to the CT Mirror and argued they demonstrated that MacCormack “isn’t ready for the responsibility he’s asking voters to give him.”
Candelora later added that while policy debates can happen, the candidate’s rhetoric was “not only naive, but it is disturbing.”
Democrats were equally critical. Vanita Bhalla described MacCormack in a statement to the CT Mirror as “just another MAGA extremist,” while Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas issued a joint statement calling the comments “sickening.” MacCormack is challenging incumbent Pat Boyd, who has represented the state’s 50th House District for almost 10 years.
Rather than retract his comments, MacCormack accused fellow Republicans via text message to the CT Mirror of being “weak and complacent,” arguing that younger conservatives are bringing a more “bold” approach to politics.
Boyd, meanwhile, said in a 3 June Facebook post that he was “deeply embarrassed” that the district was receiving attention for what he characterised as divisive rhetoric, adding that one of America’s fundamental freedoms is “the right to live your life exactly the way you want.”
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