Karen Hobert Flynn, President of Common Cause, Middletown resident, and a lifelong advocate for the common good, passed away on Friday, March 3rd.

Karen was a fearless, persistent advocate for a better democracy. As a leader of Common Cause in Connecticut, she pioneered our nationally renowned public financing system, which has served as a model for similar programs across the country. We are grateful for the hope and determination that she brought to the Constitution state.

We’re heartbroken by this loss, but we will honor Karen’s legacy through our continued commitment to achieving the democracy we all deserve.

Connecticut celebrates Karen’s legacy

“Karen made a lasting impact on Connecticut politics as one of the architects of our nationally renowned public financing system, which has been mirrored by states around the country as a model for clean and fair government that encourages participation by all of our residents. Her life’s ambition has truly benefitted all of us. I am devastated to learn the news of her passing, and extend my condolences to her family, friends, and all her colleagues at Common Cause.” – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont

“Karen Hobert Flynn was a champion of numerous election reforms that benefit the residents of Connecticut every day. When chair of Common Cause Connecticut, she helped to pass the Citizens Election Program, one of the strongest campaign finance laws in the country. The program has had a great impact on political campaigning in our state, allowing candidates like me to run for office through small-dollar donations. I will continue to carry Karen’s legacy of strengthening our democracy and protecting voters’ rights through my work as Secretary of the State.”- Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas

“Karen was a fierce public servant who dedicated her life to making our democracy fairer and more transparent. By shepherding Connecticut’s public financing system and disclosure laws, she made it possible for more people to get involved in the political process and created a model for states across the country. Her passing is a tremendous loss for Connecticut and the country.” – U.S. Senator for Connecticut Chris Murphy

“Karen was a dedicated defender of democracy, whose principles and commitment to public service and public trust were unrivaled. Under her steadfast and unflinching leadership, Connecticut passed landmark public finance, ethics and disclosure laws that became a model for states across the nation. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing and send my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. Connecticut, and our nation, has lost a champion today.” – U.S. Senator for Connecticut Richard Blumenthal

Connecticut Mirror: Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause leader and CT reformer, dies

For more information on ways to honor Karen’s legacy, see here.