CT Patch Candidate Profile: Sarah Keitt For State Rep

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Fairfield 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: Sarah Keitt

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 134

What city or town do you live in? Fairfield

Party affiliation: Democract, cross endorsed by the Independent and Working Families parties

Education: BA, Middlebury College MPH, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Occupation: State Representative

Family: Married to Geordie Keitt (age 54) for 22 years Mom to Theo (18) and Lucy (20). Three rescue cats Gigi, Scarecrow Jones, and Shadow.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I am the current State Representative for the 134th District. Previously served as an alternate on Fairfield's Town Plan and Zoning Commission

Age: 54

Why are you seeking this office?

I first ran for this office to be of service to people who wouldn't otherwise have a voice at the table: the disabled community, children, and disadvantaged communities. I believe our government should serve the needs of our most vulnerable residents. When we create a society where our most vulnerable can thrive, we create a society where we all can thrive.

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

I believe there are two issues facing CT. The first is affordability. While Forbes ranks CT #1 for raising a family, it ranked us as the 9th most expensive state in the nation. Almost a third of households in the 134th are earning at or below what is considered a survival budget. A second issue that is facing the state is the political rancor and hyperbolic rhetoric that keeps us from working together for real solutions to the issues that face us.

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?

It has to be a combination of law enforcement, traffic engineering, and personal responsibility. I support funding for traffic calming technology and more patrolling of our major roadways. I also believe that we need to focus on educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and driving while impaired.

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

I support funding for our public schools. My opponent voted to cut $2.5 million from the Fairfield education budget. I am a Moms Demand Action and CT Against Gun Violence candidate. My opponent supports the NRA. I am endorsed by the Independent Party. My opponent supports Moms of Liberty (designated by the SPLC as a hate group) policies regarding book banning and Project 2025's call to disband the U.S. Department of Education.

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

I brought home millions of dollars to our district to help our seniors, veterans, and our schools. I voted for the two largest middle class tax cuts in CT history while delivering a bipartisan budget, and paying down billions of our pension debt. I supported the most significant reforms to 8-30g in more than a decade. I am fighting for a permanent child tax credits and I created and chair a working group to lower health insurance costs for working families. I want to return to Hartford to continue serving the people of the 134th District.

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

From affordability, to climate change, to civil rights, CT is facing the same issues that are playing out on the national stage. We have the opportunity to be a leader in finding lasting solutions to these critical issues. I am focused on working on nonpartisan approaches to reducing health care costs, strengthening our schools, and creating economic opportunities for all.