Tyler scores win in primary petition case before Supreme Court.

Enfield Democrat Tom Tyler has won his primary election appeal before the State Supreme Court today. After hearing arguments this morning, the state’s highest court ruled that while Tyler was given primary petitions to circulate four days earlier than the law permits, the Enfield Registrar of Voters relied on inaccurate advice from the Office of the Secretary of the State.

The case was sent to the Superior Court to set a primary date. Tyler is seeking to challenge incumbent Democrat John Santanella in the 58th House District, which is entirely in Enfield. Santanella is serving his first term in the House and is also a member of the Enfield Town Council. Tyler had served as Enfield’s town attorney under the previous Republican administration and was replaced when Democrats won control of the council in a thumping victory last November.

Absent the challenge to Tyler’s primary petitions, the primary would have been held on August 11th–along with the Democratic primary for governor. The court is likely to set a date to allow a proper campaign and that would be a stand alone primary later in August or early September.

Published July 30, 2026.