Connecticut state Sen. Minority Leader Kevin Kelly unexpectedly resigned on Friday as the Republican caucus leader, and first-term state Sen. Stephen Harding stepped in as his replacement. 

The leadership change comes three weeks after Kelly fired John Healey, the new chief of staff for the Senate Republican caucus. According to reports, Kelly failed to win a vote of confidence from the caucus. Kelly’s departure was reported by the Hartford Courant’s Kevin Rennie on his blog, Daily Ructions.

“I have been incredibly honored to serve as the leader of this caucus and will work collaboratively with Sen. Harding going forward,” Kelly said in a news release. “Our caucus is made up of hard-working individuals who love our state and are ready to fight for it. Together we continue to stand up for policies that make our state more affordable for all people by reducing tax burdens on poor, working- and middle-class families, creating opportunities in education and jobs, and increasing health care access and affordability.

Harding formerly served four terms as a House member and is now in his first term in the Senate. 

“Sen. Harding is extremely knowledgeable and cares deeply about the people of Connecticut. He will be an excellent Senate Republican Leader,” Kelly added.

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In a statement, Harding said he was “honored to have been chosen” by the caucus to replace Kelly, who held the role since 2020. 

“As leader, I will make sure our caucus remains unified and focused on standing up for all people, offering solutions and showing a better path forward,” Harding said, per the Hartford Courant. “From strengthening public safety, environmental, education, and health care policies to preserving fiscal discipline, we will work to give residents the stability and predictability they deserve. I thank Sen. Kelly for his leadership and look forward to the challenges ahead.”