Accomplishments — Erick Russell for State Treasurer 2026

Strengthening Connecticut’s Finances

Strengthening Connecticut’s finances to protect retirement security, reduce long-term costs for taxpayers, and build a foundation for the future.

Financed billions in transportation, school construction, and infrastructure — while saving taxpayers over $200 million by eliminating long-term debt
Championed legislation to eliminate transportation debt, saving taxpayers $1.04 billion
Helped Connecticut earn historic upgrades to its credit ratings - including Kroll upgrading from AA to AA+, Moody’s upgrading Connecticut from Aa3 to AA2 and Fitch upgrading the state from AA- to AA - making it less expensive to finance future projects
Helped local cities and towns manage investments more effectively to reduce costs and ease pressure on property taxes for families
Reformed the state’s investment process and strategy, delivering 12.4% three-year annualized returns across pension funds - growing pension assets by more than $25 billion
Improved pension funded ratios:
• State employees: 48.5% → 59.6%
• Teachers: 57.0% → 63.7%

“My office manages billions of dollars on behalf of the people of Connecticut, a responsibility I take very seriously. That responsibility demands disciplined management: investing wisely, strengthening our credit, and reducing long-term debt to protect taxpayers today and build a stronger financial future for Connecticut."

Expanding Economic Opportunity

Using the tools of the Treasurer’s Office to help Connecticut families build wealth, plan for the future, and access opportunity.

Launched CT Baby Bonds program, a first-in-the-nation program that invests directly in the next generation of Connecticut residents. Over 32,000 children already have investments made on their behalf, with projections of 15,000-16,000 additional children each year, to help them build their own future in Connecticut — buying a home, starting a business, paying for education, or saving for retirement
Supported families saving for college through CHET, with over $5.7 billion in assets across more than 200,000 accounts
Modernized the unclaimed property system to return money faster — including automatic payments — returning over $275 million to 175,000 residents
Established a privately funded Safe Harbor Fund to help women and LGBTQ+ individuals travel to CT for healthcare denied in their home states
Expanded financial literacy efforts to help residents better understand saving, investing, and financial planning

“Growing up in New Haven, I saw how much opportunity depends on whether families have the support they need to get ahead. That’s why I’ve worked to ensure this office doesn’t just manage money well, but puts the full strength of the office to work for Connecticut families so every resident has the knowledge, resources, and opportunity to build the future they want for themselves.”

Holding Powerful Interests Accountable

Using his voice to stand up to corporate abuse, protect workers, and safeguard the retirement security of Connecticut workers.

Opposed Elon Musk's $1 trillion compensation package at Tesla, protecting long-term shareholder value and pushing back on excessive corporate pay
Took action against child labor violations, pressing major corporations like McDonald’s to address illegal labor practices and strengthen accountability
Divested from private prisons and detention centers
Stood with hotel and service workers organizing for fair pay and conditions, including workers facing interference from large corporate ownership
Worked with other state pension leaders to push corporations to respect workers’ rights and improve how they do business
Recognized the risks that climate exposure, poor corporate leadership, and labor instability pose to the retirement security of Connecticut workers and retirees — and acted to protect the pensions they depend on

“My job isn’t just managing your money, it’s making sure your voice is represented in how that money is invested. That means standing up to powerful corporations and holding them accountable when reckless or unethical behavior puts Connecticut’s investments and taxpayers at risk.”