Patch Candidate Profile: Lisa Seminara For 8th State Senate

AVON, CT — The 2024 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.

All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

State Sen. Lisa Seminara, R-Avon, is running for another term in office. She is running against Democratic challenger Paul Honig of Harwinton in a rematch of 2022.

The 8th Senate District includes Norfolk, Hartland, Canton, Simsbury, New Hartford, Avon, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

What office are you seeking? State Senate

District: District 8

Website: https://lisaforctsenate.com/

What city or town do you live in? Avon

Party affiliation: Republican (cross-endorsed by the Independent Party)

Education: I graduated with honors from St. John’s University and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University.

Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker, state Senator

Family: I married my husband Nick and moved to the area 30 years ago. I have three children – Martina (25), Madelyn (22), and Nicholas (18).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elected:

In addition to my current position as state Senator, I previously served as an elected member of the Avon Board of Education.

Age: 56

Why are you seeking this office?

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your state Senator. My priority remains to support policies that will make life better for the residents of the district. My voting record demonstrates I put people over politics.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Affordability. I have championed efforts to make Connecticut a more affordable place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.

By advocating for lower taxes, immediate relief from oppressive electric bills, a reductionin in burdensome regulations, and pro-business legislation, I am committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and people can prosper.

I will continue to fight for common sense policies that protect our state’s financial stability, uphold the fiscal guardrails, ensure the continued growth of our rainy-day fund, and promote long-term economic growth in our state for years to come.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

The state drafts a very detailed expert report on traffic safety that analyzes multiple sources of data and trends over time. We should start by using this report to influence policy.

There is an increasing epidemic of distracted driving. The existing laws should be more strictly enforced and the General Assembly should consider if the penalties are adequate to deter this dangerous practice.

Another problem worth considering involves distracted pedestrians who put themselves in danger by not paying attention to their surroundings.

One last area of concern is impaired driving. The state should determine if we are as effective as we can be in deterring driving while under the influence of alcohol. We also have a growing problem of people driving impaired under the influence of marijuana. The use of cannabis while driving does not currently have an effective deterrent. The legislature should address this problem in the next session.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Diversity of opinion is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. One-party rule in the State of Connecticut undermines the concept of effective checks and balances. I am a common-sense Republican who has been cross-endorsed by the Connecticut Independent Party. My opponent is a liberal Democrat who has been cross-endorsed by the ultra-progressive, Working Families Party. Connecticut already has one of the most progressive state governments. Thus, I think the fundamental question in the race for State Senate is:

Do you think the Connecticut Legislature should move further to the left or more toward the center?

If you think the state government needs to move more to the left than it already is – then I am not your candidate. However, if you believe that Connecticut should be more balanced with greater diversity of thought, then you should vote for me.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am proud of my record as the Senator representing the 8th District. I currently serve as the ranking Senator on three committees: the Committees on Children, Human Services, and Aging. In addition, I serve on the Education Committee. I have accomplished what I set out to do: Put people over politics; Act with civility; Listen to all my constituents; and Remain compassionate.

I have voted to: Cut taxes for families; Pay down state debt while maintaining the fiscal guardrails; Support non-profits; Advocate for seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities; Improve the business climate; Protect the environment, Defend local control; Increase school aid; Support our police; and Strengthen protection for domestic abuse victims

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I promise to continue my work to represent all the people of the 8th with grit and grace through common sense solutions to real problems. I humbly ask for your vote.