Patch Candidate Profile: Tremell Collins For 6th State Senate

NEW BRITAIN, 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.

New Britain Republican Tremell Collins, in a rematch of 2022, is challenging state Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain,who is seeking another term for the 6th State Senate District.

The 6th Senate District includes Berlin, New Britain, and part of Farmington.

What office are you seeking? State Senate

District: 6th District

Website: https://collinsforsenate6.com/

What city or town do you live in? New Britain

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: I began my career by joining the workforce right out of high school, balancing my work experience with my professional responsibilities. This early start helped me develop a strong work ethic and dedication that I carry with me throughout my professional life.

Occupation: With over 21 years as a grocery store manager, I've witnessed firsthand how rising food prices deeply affect our residents, making it increasingly difficult for our friends and neighbors to afford essentials. This first-hand experience made me want to become part of the solution.

Family: I’m happily married to my wonderful wife, Brenda, and together, we have five amazing kids who are the heart and soul of our family.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My cousin, DeVaughn Ward, was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont as an interim correction ombudsman, responsible for reviewing and evaluating the operations of our correctional facilities.

Previous public office, appointed or elected:

I have had the privilege of serving as an Alderman at Large for the City of New Britain, contributing to the governance and development of our community. Additionally, I dedicated seven years to the executive committee of the New Britain RTC and six years as a fire commissioner. I also had the honor of serving on the board of directors for the New Britain HRA.

Age: 37

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for State Senate because I believe the families in our district deserve a brighter future, one where our communities are safe, businesses can thrive, and families aren’t burdened with impossible choices between paying their bills and putting food on the table.

As a lifelong resident of New Britain, I’ve always understood the importance of standing up for our community and fighting against policies that don’t serve the people.

I want to bring the values of hard work, opportunity, and accountability to the State Senate to help every family in our district achieve their version of the American Dream.

In recent years, I’ve seen how bad legislation passed by our current leadership has made life more difficult for working families in our district.

We are facing record-high energy costs, skyrocketing grocery prices, and excessive taxes that put a strain on everyday life.

At the same time, our communities are becoming less safe due to policies that weaken law enforcement while emboldening criminals.

As someone who has served this community on the local level for years, I know firsthand the challenges we are facing, and I want to be part of the solution.

I’m running to bring common-sense policies back to Hartford policies that protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our schools, support small businesses, and offer relief to overburdened taxpayers.

My mission is to make sure the people of our district have a Senator who works for them, not for special interests.

I’ll fight to ensure Connecticut is both affordable and safe for future generations.

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

The biggest issue facing Connecticut right now is affordability.

Families across our district are struggling with rising energy costs, grocery prices, and some of the highest tax rates in the country.

Years of misguided policies from the Democratic leadership and our current State Senator have made living in Connecticut increasingly unaffordable.

People are being forced to leave the state simply because they can no longer afford to stay; frankly, that’s unacceptable.

As your State Senator, I will focus on creating a more affordable Connecticut. This starts with cutting wasteful government spending and eliminating unnecessary administrative costs that are driving up taxes.

We also need to lower the cost of doing business here by cutting through the red tape and reducing over-regulation, which will allow small businesses to grow, create jobs, and provide relief for those who drive our economy.

I’ll also ensure that while we reduce wasteful spending, we protect essential services for our seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities.

By using a common-sense approach to budgeting and by lifting the burden on businesses and families, we can make Connecticut a place where people want to live, work, and raise their children again.

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 rising number of fatalities on Connecticut’s roadways is alarming, and it’s clear that we need to take immediate legislative action to address this dangerous trend.

It starts with revisiting laws that have weakened public safety.

Over the past several years, changes to criminal penalties and restrictions on law enforcement have contributed to more reckless behavior on our roads, which has, in turn, led to an increase in roadway fatalities.

As your State Senator, I will be a strong advocate for our law enforcement, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to keep our roads safe, rather than policies that make their jobs more difficult.

I also believe we need to implement stronger penalties for dangerous driving behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding in work zones, and street takeovers, which are all contributing to this crisis.

Beyond enforcement, education plays a key role.

We need to invest in programs that teach young drivers the importance of safe driving habits from the start.

By focusing on both preventative measures and ensuring our roadways are properly maintained and policed, we can make Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone.

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

One of the biggest differences between my opponent and me is that I have consistently shown up for this district, while many people I speak with don’t even know who their state senator is.

My opponent has been largely absent from the community and out of touch with the needs of the people here.

I believe a State Senator should be engaged, accessible, and focused on the issues that matter most to the families and businesses in our district.

When it comes to public safety, I have taken a firm stand in supporting our law enforcement.

I believe in holding criminals accountable and providing our police with the resources they need to ensure safer streets for our families.

My opponent, on the other hand, has supported policies that have weakened public safety and made our neighborhoods less secure.

Economically, I am focused on reducing the cost of living and helping small businesses thrive.

With record-high inflation, families are struggling more than ever to pay for energy, groceries, and gas, yet my opponent has supported policies that have only increased these costs while burdening small businesses with high taxes and operating expenses.

I believe in cutting taxes, removing unnecessarily restrictive government policies, and letting the market dictate wage rates, which will allow our small businesses, the backbone of our community, to grow and prosper.

Finally, I believe in a woman's right to choose the best medical decisions for her and her family, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Connecticut’s abortion laws, which protect a woman’s right to choose, are already codified in our state statutes, and I fully support that protection.

In contrast to my opponent, I am committed to being a Senator who truly represents and works for the people of our district.

I’ll always prioritize public safety, economic relief, and protecting individual rights.

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

I have a long history of leadership and public service that demonstrates I’m ready to take on the responsibilities of State Senator. As a former New Britain city alderman, I played a key role in revitalizing our downtown, improving streetscapes, and making strategic investments in infrastructure, which helped create a stronger local economy.

I also worked closely with residents and businesses to ensure their voices were heard on important issues affecting our community.

As chairman of the New Britain Republican Town Committee and a Fire Commissioner, I’ve shown my ability to lead in times of challenge and bring people together to achieve common goals.

Whether it was organizing community clean-up efforts or advocating for safer streets, I’ve always prioritized the well-being of our residents.

My extensive involvement in community service, from volunteering with the New Britain Police Explorers to my work on the board of directors for the HRA of New Britain, further proves my commitment to giving back and improving the lives of others.

Through these roles, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the issues facing our district, and I’m ready to apply that knowledge in the State Senate.

In addition to my public service roles, I am also the manager of a grocery store, which has given me firsthand experience in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of running a business.

Managing a store through periods of high inflation, supply chain issues, and the rising cost of goods has provided me with a deep understanding of what it takes to keep a business afloat in challenging economic conditions.

I’ve had to make tough decisions to ensure our customers get the best possible service while supporting my employees and keeping costs down.

This experience has sharpened my ability to navigate complex issues, balance budgets, and understand the real impact that government policies have on small businesses.

It also keeps me connected to the daily struggles of working families something that’s missing from our current state senator.

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

I want voters to know that I’m someone who leads by example and has a deep connection to our community.

My approach to public service is grounded in accessibility, accountability, and a commitment to listening to the concerns of residents.

I’m not running for office to advance any personal agenda I’m running to improve the quality of life for everyone in our district.

When it comes to public safety, I will always stand with law enforcement and fight to keep our neighborhoods safe.

On the economic front, I’m focused on making Connecticut more affordable by cutting taxes, reducing government waste, and supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of our community.

I also believe strongly in protecting individual rights, including a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions in consultation with her provider.

At the end of the day, I want voters to know that I will always work for them, be present in the district, and fight for the issues that matter most to them.

I’m ready to bring common-sense solutions to Hartford and make a real difference for our community.