A number of top state Republicans turned out in Stamford Saturday morning to support Bob Kolenberg’s bid for state Senate. But perhaps most impressive was a young adult who’ll be voting for the first time in Tuesday’s election.

“I turned 18 two days ago,” Andrew Kolenberg told the crowd gathered for a rally on behalf of his dad at campaign headquarters on Bedford Street. “I think there’s no other better guy than my dad.”

Kolenberg seeks to fill the District 27 seat left vacant when Andrew McDonald accepted a position in the Malloy administration. Kolenberg’s running against Democratic State Rep. Carlo Leone and Green Party write-in candidate Rolf Maurer. A special election will take place Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Republican luminaries urging campaign workers to get out the vote for Kolenberg in the race’s final hours included former Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, former U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon, Connecticut Republican Party State Chairman Chris Healy, Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia, Darien First Selectman David Campbell, state Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Scott Frantz, State Sens. Dan Debicella and Toni Boucher and Stamford Republican Town Committee Chairman Chris Munger, among others. Former gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley, who was expected, was detained in Florida, said Kolenberg.

“We need to get individuals like Bob Kolenberg up into the state Senate,” said Fedele. He noted Kolenberg’s business experience and the fellow Westhill High School graduate’s personal qualities as a “family man,” as well as his Stamford Board of Finance oversight role.

“All these things are what make Bob Kolenberg our man to go to Hartford,” said Fedele.

“It’s very flattering, and I’m humbled” by the support, said Kolenberg. “It’s not about Bob Kolenberg. It’s about the people of Connecticut and the people of Stamford. I will help them in Hartford.”