Mr. Stefanowski tweeted photos of himself at the cookout on Sunday in Marlborough, Conn., southeast of Hartford, where he mingled with attendees at the fund-raising event. The picnic was organized by the CT Liberty Rally and Unmask Our Kids CT, according to an online invitation to the event — two groups that have gained prominence for their efforts opposing pandemic restrictions in the state.
As of Monday in Connecticut, the seven-day positivity rate for the coronavirus was 12.3 percent, which was down slightly from Friday’s rate of 14.19 percent, according to data provided by the state.
The virus has coursed through the halls of power of in Connecticut. During a one-week span in April, four of the state’s six constitutional officers, all Democrats, tested positive: Gov. Lamont, on April 7; Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, on April 10; Shawn T. Wooden, the state treasurer, on April 12; and William Tong, the attorney general on April 13.
Mr. Stefanowski, a businessman from Madison, Conn., was overwhelmingly endorsed by Republicans at their state party convention earlier this month to represent the party in a rematch with Mr. Lamont in the November election. In 2018, he was the surprise winner of a crowded G.O.P. primary in the governor’s race, but lost a three-way contest in the general election.