Sherman, Conn. (Citizen News) – First Selectman Clay Cope, who is serving the beginning of his third term, was just informally asked to become a U.S. House of Representatives candidate for Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District in this year’s election.

Regardless of whether or not First Selectman Cope decides to formally accept the nomination, it’s an honor. If he accepts and gains official endorsement at the Republican State Convention in May, then he would likely challenge Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Esty, who is serving her second term as a U.S. Representative.

Should First Selectman Cope win the Fifth District Congressional seat in the 115^th Congress, a two-year term, then he would potentially be the highest ranking Republican in the State of Connecticut. In other words, there are five Connecticut seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and two Connecticut seats in the Senate. All seven of these congressional seats are occupied by Connecticut Democrats. By contrast, the Republican Party is the Majority in both the House and the U.S. Senate in the 114^th Congress, 2nd Session.

This is certainly big news for small town Sherman. The Fifth Congressional District is expansive and includes 41 towns that extend into Fairfield County, Litchfield County, Hartford County, and New Haven County.

Written by Alicia Sakal for the January 13th Edition of the Citizen News, a weekly newspaper that serves Sherman and New Fairfield, Connecticut. Contributed Photo.