CT Patch Candidate Profile: Raghib Allie-Brennan For State Rep

BETHEL, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Bethel and Danbury.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city and state.

Candidate’s Name: Raghib Allie-Brennan

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 2nd Assembly District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Bethel

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Marymount Manhattan College (BA) 2013; Bethel High School 2009

Occupation: Client Relationship Manager

Family: My dad is an immigrant from Guyana and is a CT small business owner and my mom works in the healthcare industry. I have two sisters.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

State Representative 2nd House District (2019-Current); Board Member Bethel Inland Wetlands (2013)

Age: 33

Why are you seeking this office?

My decision to run for a fourth term in office stems from my commitment to the people of Bethel and Danbury. Over the past three terms, I have crafted, negotiated, and pushed forward a broad array of legislation that protects our environment, our children, our small businesses and their employees, our vulnerable communities, and our state economy. Serving as state representative has been an honor, and there’s still more work to be done. With the challenges our state continues to face—whether it’s addressing energy costs, protecting local zoning rights, or fighting for fair and adequate funding for our schools. —I know I can still contribute to meaningful change. I’m ready to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to our community.

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

I share the outrage of my constituents over the sharp rise in energy bills this summer. I've been actively discussing and working on solutions to address our rising energy bills, which includes banning future power purchase agreements without multistate solutions, creating a roadmap for towns to leave the Eversource franchise or explore aggregate purchasing, and conducting a public benefit policy review to reduce the burden on our middle-class families. Over the past three terms, I helped write and pass into law, two bills that strengthen the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to hold utilities accountable. These bills have made rate hearings more rigorous and prohibit utility legal fees, executive pay hikes, lobbying efforts, and charitable contributions from being included in rate increases. Don't be fooled by political rhetoric. Blaming one party won't solve these complex issues—it's about holding all parties accountable and ensuring that our energy policies serve the people, not just the profits.

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 rise in roadway deaths is a serious concern, and during the 2023 legislative session, I was proud to support the passage of Public Act 23-51, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at addressing this issue. This act requires the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to expand efforts to implement wrong-way driving countermeasures across the state. Since its passage, several exits in the Bethel and Danbury areas, including exits 8 and 5 on I-84, have seen new installations of signs and systems to help prevent wrong-way accidents.

While this is a step in the right direction, we need to continue looking at additional measures, such as improving roadway design, increasing public awareness campaigns, and possibly expanding enforcement around distracted and impaired driving. We also need to ensure that the state continues to invest in infrastructure that prioritizes safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

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

One of the key differences between my opponent and me is our approach to public service. My focus has always been on bringing people together and finding solutions that work for everyone. While my opponent has chosen to focus on negativity, I’m committed to positive, forward-looking solutions that address the real issues people are facing—whether it’s reducing energy costs, ensuring affordable housing, or protecting reproductive rights. People are tired of divisive politics. I believe in listening to all perspectives and working across the aisle to deliver real results for our community. That’s why the Independent Party has endorsed me in this race. My record reflects a commitment to service, and I’ll continue providing the leadership our community deserves. In addition to the Independent Party’s endorsement, I’ve also received strong support from environmental groups like the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club, as well as gun violence prevention organizations such as Connecticut Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action. I’ve been endorsed by reproductive rights groups and the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association (UPFFA) as well. These endorsements reflect my unwavering commitment to protecting our environment, fighting for sensible gun laws, defending reproductive freedom, and standing up for our first responders.

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

Over the past three terms, we have achieved significant progress, ensuring that our district has both a seat at the table and a voice in the room, something we lacked before. This is reflected in the millions of dollars delivered to our towns as well as the changes to legislation I’ve successfully negotiated. Throughout my tenure, my primary focus has always been on putting the 2nd District first, not politics, a commitment reflected in my actions, such as when I opposed my party’s official stance on zoning reform. I firmly believe zoning decisions are best made at the local level, reflecting the unique needs of our communities while safeguarding the integrity of our neighborhoods.

In addition to preserving local zoning, I have also been actively involved in keeping our utilities accountable to rate payers, improving the reliability and transparency of our electric and gas service providers.

As the son of a small business owner, I have been a champion for our community’s small businesses, with first-hand understanding of the challenges they face. I am dedicated to creating an environment where our local businesses — the backbone of our community — can thrive. Moreover, I have been a steadfast advocate for domestic violence victims and their families. Ensuring that they receive justice and the support they need has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me.

There is still much work to be done, and I am eager to continue advocating for Bethel and Danbury. Our district's needs and values remain my top priority, and I am dedicated to building on our past achievements while addressing future challenges.

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

As a young adult in my thirties, I understand firsthand the desire to own a home and the frustration people experience when that dream feels out of reach. I've heard from countless constituents—families, young people and seniors—who share similar struggles, and it's clear that addressing our housing crisis is paramount.

However, we must do so thoughtfully, while respecting local zoning decisions. Bethel has been a proactive partner in addressing housing needs, yet reaching the 10% affordable housing threshold mandated by Housing Law 8-30g remains an unattainable goal for many towns. Towns like Bethel, which are acting in good faith to address this issue, should not face punitive measures.

This past legislative session I negotiated language on a major bill in order to strike a balance between addressing the housing crisis and respecting local autonomy. I also successfully advocated against efforts that sought to undermine essential processes such as the design review and Inland Wetlands review for certain development projects. Preserving these safeguards is essential to maintaining the environmental and aesthetic integrity of our communities.

I remain committed to ensuring that any changes we make in Hartford are in the best interest of our community, fostering well-rounded and sustainable growth while safeguarding the integrity of our neighborhoods.