CT Patch Candidate Profile: Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox For State Senate

BRIDGEPORT/MONROE/TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Bridgeport, Monroe and Trumbull.

To help educate readers about the state's election, Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns, and about the issues that are facing the town and state.

Candidate’s Name: Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox

What office are you seeking? State Senate

District: 22nd Connecticut Senate District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Trumbull

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Education: BA Cornell University, MA New School, JD University of Pennsylvania

Occupation: Chair and Professor of Justice and Law, Quinnipiac University, since 2011; I teach primarily constitutional and human rights law, and work with community organizations and police officers to engage young people in dialogue and in the community. I previously ran a non-profit juvenile delinquency prevention program.

Family: Yes. I've been married to my husband Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox since 2005. We have two daughters, Ishika (12) and Aksita (8). We also live with my mother Sheela Gadkar..

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I am currently a member of the Trumbull Ethics Commission (appointed by Trumbull First Selectman Vicki Tesoro) (2021-present) and a Commissioner on the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (appointed by Governor Ned Lamont) (2023-present).

Age: 45

Why are you seeking this office?

I got involved because over the past few years, I have become alarmed by political polarization in this country. Even in my teaching of constitutional law, I have heard students refer to stock political soundbites rather than actual constitutional issues. This polarization can be overcome by having real, sustained conversations between people who have different views, and by enacting some common-sense reforms in our politics. For example, we must support our system for public financing of elections so ordinary people can be involved, have an independent redistricting commission so that politicians do not get to draw their own voting districts, and have reasonable term limits so that we avoid having career politicians in office for decades.

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

Connecticut faces a looming fiscal problem. Because we have allocated federal ARPA funding to fund essential services, particularly in education and non-profits, we will have to find ways of ensuring that our schools have the resources they need without recourse to that expiring federal funding. These issues are coupled with the need to keep our communities affordable and to have appropriate economic development for the region that is attentive to the needs of local communities. These challenges require multifaceted solutions. First, we need to adjust the volatility cap that places a fiscal roadblock on our ability to fund education. Second, we should be more aggressive in pursuing federal grants for infrastructure and economic development, knowing that smart economic growth is the surest way to keep taxes and costs low.

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?

I think encouraging proper enforcement is critical, and I'm glad to see that State Police enforcement of speeding and reckless driving laws is now approaching pre-pandemic levels. It is also important to emphasize that road conditions, including maintaining proper lighting, shoulders, and visibility, also enhance road safety, which is one of the reason why improving our roads, bridges, and other infrastructure is an important part of my platform.

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

Many of us watched in distress as conservative justices on United States Supreme Court have slowly eroded our freedoms. In the Dobbs case, members of the court overturned our right to choose. In addition, members of the court have eliminated the Chevron doctrine—watering down the ability of federal agencies to regulate pollution, prevent bribery, and stop banks and corporations from cheating hard-working people with payday loans. The conservative swing in our federal courts means that we can no longer rely on federal laws to protect our freedoms. Therefore, we need a State Senator who can codify our basic rights into state law, and in certain cases, also into our State Constitution. As someone who teaches Constitutional Law, I'm uniquely qualified to do so. In addition, though, I have a lot of experience working across sectors. I have protected democracy and voting rights on the State Board of the League of Women Voters; I promote ethics in government through the Trumbull Ethics Commission; I enforce anti-discrimination laws with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; I've organized conferences with state agencies, non-profits, and universities to help stop human trafficking in Connecticut; and I've raised money for underserved students to attend human rights seminars. I think the breath and depth of my experience will give me an upper hand as a legislator.

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

I have relevant work experience across multiple sectors. In my work in litigation, I gained experience with laws relating to taxation and finance. In my work directing non-profit programs, I have written multiple state and federal grants, worked connecting police officers with at-risk youth to reduce crime. As a teacher of constitutional law, I am in a good position to draft legislation to codify our rights and freedoms that are under threat in a way that will stand up in court.

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

I genuinely love our district. Over the course of knocking on doors and making phone calls this summer and fall, I have met some really great people. I cherish the conversations we have had at the doors with so many thoughtful and smart people, and each time I have a conversation in which I find common ground with someone who has a different view, I have renewed faith that community politics can help rebuild trust in government and politics.