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 has since doubled down on his comments.
Jadon MacCormack, 23, declared that “it’s American to be Anti-Pride Month” in a 2 June Facebook post. He also vowed to oppose what he described as the LGBTQ+ “movement” if elected.
The post drew swift condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats.
Vincent J. Candelora, the top Republican in the Connecticut House, described the remarks as “immature and reckless” in a statement to the CT Mirror. He said the comments showed MacCormack “isn’t ready for the responsibility he’s asking voters to give him.”
Candelora later added that while policy debates can happen, MacCormack’s rhetoric was “not only naive, but it is disturbing.”
Democrats were also sharply critical.
Vanita Bhalla described MacCormack as “just another MAGA extremist” in a statement to the CT Mirror, while Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas issued a joint statement calling the comments “sickening.”
MacCormack is challenging incumbent Pat Boyd, who has represented Connecticut’s 50th House District for almost a decade.
Rather than retract his comments, MacCormack defended them. In a text message to the CT Mirror, he accused fellow Republicans of being “weak and complacent” and argued that younger conservatives are bringing a more “bold” approach to politics.
Boyd responded in a 3 June Facebook post, saying he was “deeply embarrassed” that the district was receiving attention for divisive rhetoric.
He added that one of America’s fundamental freedoms is “the right to live your life exactly the way you want.”
The controversy comes during Pride Month, as LGBTQ+ communities across the United States continue to face heightened political attacks and renewed debates over equality, visibility and basic protections.
