Candidate Profile: Liz Linehan, 103rd State House District

CHESHIRE, 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.

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

Liz Linehan, 50, of Cheshire, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 103rd District, representing Cheshire, Hamden, and Wallingford.

Party affiliation: Democrat, Cross endorsed by the Independent Party

Education: CCSU

Occupation: Synergistic Marketing Specialist

Family: Husband and three children.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, I've been the State Rep for the 103rd since 2016, and served 2 terms on Cheshire Town Council

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue to serve the people of Cheshire, Hamden, and Wallingford

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

Cost of living

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 supported the new wrong way detection systems on our highways, and will continue to support more rollout of these systems, which have already saved lives. Additionally, we can mirror trends in new road construction which utilizes speed reduction measures, such as a change in lane markings and widths, which have been proven effective elsewhere. I also plan to update our drivers education courses to include road rage de-escalation training.

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

I am unopposed, but I believe my record on constituent engagement to help our neighbors personally on various issues, as well as consistently providing information and workshops on issues that matter to them (like How Not To Get Scammed, How To Stay Safe on the Road, and How to Lower Your Every Costs, to name a few) sets me apart from others.

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

My record of passing numerous pieces of legislation on safety, education, children's mental health, tax reduction, victims rights, and more. My work has earned numerous awards including National Female Legislator of the Year Award in 2019 by the National Association of Female Legislators, the Visionary Voice Award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, YMCA Legislative Champion Award, NARAL Reproductive Rights Champion Award 2017-2020, the Distinguished Service Award from the CT Association for Behavior Analysts for work for autistic children and adults, and the Champion Award from the New England Association of Marriage and Family Counselors work on children's mental health.

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

I am incredibly honored to serve my neighbors in this capacity. Thank you all for the opportunity to do so.