The Mask Falls: Greenwich Democrat Trevor Crow Boasts of Violating Campaign Finance Laws in 2022 Senate Bid.

What an unusual and costly mess Trevor Crow made at Wednesday night’s Greenwich Democratic Town Committee meeting. Crowe is seeking the party’s nomination in the 36th Senate District and a rematch with Republican incumbent Ryan Fazio.

Crow, who lost her race against Fazio by 89 votes, faces opposition for the Democratic nomination from local dauphin Nick Simmons, heir to one of Greenwich’s many fortunes. The certified life coach decided to highlight her fundraising credentials by revealing how she raised money for her 2022 campaign.

Thus did Crow plant, water, and fertilize the seeds of her own destruction. She announced, according to the Greenwich Free Press, “We used the Citizens Election program, which I supplemented by raising an additional $50,000 for our DTCs and our PACS to spend on our race.”

The candidate made a prima facie case that she had violated the state’s campaign finance laws by accepting public funds while raising additional money that she knew would be spent on her campaign. We know this because she announced it to her fellow Democrats at Wednesday’s meeting. There is nothing subtle in Crow’s approach.

The State Election Enforcement Commission (SEEC) can initiate an investigation without a complaint. Information in its possession will suffice. A candidate’s admission of violating the law is enough. Crow’s acts in 2022 may render her ineligible for public financing this year and may also cause the SEEC to try to claw back its 2022 grant to Crow.

Published January 18, 2024.