Community Corner
Local Spotlight Candidate Profile: Tony Hwang For State Senate
Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang shares with Patch why he should be re-elected to serve the 28th District.
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Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Fairfield.
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: Tony Hwang
What office are you seeking? State Senate (incumbent)
District: 28th Senate District (Fairfield, Easton, Newtown, Bethel)
What city or town do you live in? Fairfield
Party affiliation: Republican/Independent
Education: Cornell University
Occupation: State Senator (2014-Present)
Family: Grace (wife, best friend), Christina (daughter, pride & joy), Peter (son, pride & joy). Gratitude and appreciation for our family and so very proud of our children for the individual they have become with character, respect and giving back to our community.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No, but they support me in my role as a public servant and acknowledge that each one of us has a role to support our community and work toward making a positive difference.
Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes. *Fairfield BOE Curriculum Design Committee 2004, Fairfield RTM 2005-2008, CGA State Representative 134th 2009-2014, CGA State Senator 2014-Present (*estimated dates)
Age: 60
Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for state senator because I believe in the power of public service to improve the lives of the people in our community. My commitment to making a difference comes from years of working closely with residents, listening to their concerns, and finding practical solutions that work for everyone. Whether it’s advocating for education, improving public safety, or protecting our environment, my goal has always been to enhance the quality of life for families and individuals across our district. With a track record of achievement, I bring experience, independent thinking, and a trustworthy work ethic to the table. I don’t follow party lines; I follow what’s best for my constituents. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across the aisle to deliver results that matter, whether it’s securing funding for schools, standing up for responsible gun safety laws, or reducing taxes and unnecessary regulations that burden businesses and residents alike. I am running because I want to continue this work - to be your voice in Hartford, to champion policies that uplift our community, and to ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make our community even stronger.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
Affordability is the number one issue facing our community today. From skyrocketing utility costs and inflationary grocery prices to rising business expenses and steep insurance rates for cars and healthcare, hardworking families and seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s becoming harder for people to make ends meet, and the constant pressure from tax-and-spend government policies is only making matters worse. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by residents across our district, and I am committed to finding real solutions that relieve these burdens. We must live within spending and bonding caps, ensuring our state budgets prioritize people over politics. Government spending needs to reflect the reality of what our families can afford, not waste taxpayer dollars on unnecessary projects. I also believe in holding utilities and insurance companies accountable. I have fought for better oversight and reforms that prevent these industries from overcharging consumers. Additionally, we need smarter budgeting that targets the most urgent needs of our community—like lowering costs for essential services, easing tax burdens, and creating a more predictable financial environment for families and businesses. Look at my record, and you’ll see my unwavering commitment to making life more affordable for everyone. I hope to earn your vote so I can keep fighting for you and for a future where affordability is no longer a concern but a reality.
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?
As a leader on the Transportation Committee, my focus has been on making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone - whether they’re drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. One of my key initiatives has been championing Vision Zero legislation, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero addresses the root causes of traffic accidents through a comprehensive approach that includes public awareness, smarter roadway design, enforcement against excessive speeding, and tackling distracted and impaired driving. Road safety is not just a matter of personal responsibility but also how we design our streets and enforce our laws. I’ve worked to ensure that we’re holding drivers accountable while also building safer road systems. One critical issue we’re tackling is the alarming rise in wrong-way driving incidents. By leveraging technology such as improved signage and detection systems, combined with greater public awareness, we can prevent these tragic, avoidable accidents. Furthermore, improving mass transit safety and efficiency has been another priority to take autos off our congested roads. Whether it’s upgrading transit infrastructure or pushing for better service, I am committed to making public transportation a safe, reliable, and efficient option for more people. Through these efforts, I’m dedicated to creating safer roads and transit systems, protecting lives, and improving the overall quality of life for everyone in our state.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
With over 20 years of experience contributing to our community and over 35 years as a resident in the district, I have consistently focused on improving the lives of my neighbors through positive, empowering leadership. I have always run campaigns that emphasize people and solutions, grounded in collaboration and consensus. My commitment is to the residents of the 28th District, and I have always "been there" for our community, working diligently to address the issues that matter most. It’s disappointing to see my opponent rely on negative, misleading tactics to manipulate the truth. Rather than focus on fear and division, I believe in practical, real-world solutions. My record demonstrates a commitment to solving the critical issues facing our community: fighting rising utility costs, UI monopole violating private & business properties, advocating for responsible tax policies, ensuring quality education for every child without forced redistricting, and improving public safety on roadway, our homes and social media/cybersecurity. I’ve worked across party lines to deliver results, never letting political partisanship cloud my judgment or distract from the needs of the people. I refuse to be driven by the nationally corrosive rhetoric that divides us. Instead, I remain focused on building a better future for our district, bringing people together for solutions that work. I trust the residents of the 28th District to see my work on their behalf, and I will continue to serve with integrity, independence, and dedication to the people above politics. I hope to earn your vote to keep fighting for you and our community. Together, we can rise above negativity and work toward a brighter, stronger future.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Over the past 10 years as a state senator, it has been both a privilege and an important responsibility to serve as Newtown’s state senator, particularly in the area of gun violence prevention and safety. Representing Newtown and Sandy Hook has given me a deep understanding of the devastating consequences of gun violence, and I have always supported comprehensive gun safety legislation. I led efforts to increase penalties for school threats, recognizing the trauma such threats cause to students, teachers, and parents. Public safety has been at the heart of my work. I have focused on addressing juvenile offenders with programs that provide both accountability and rehabilitation opportunities. Additionally, I’ve championed traffic safety initiatives, advancing policies to reduce excessive speeding and distracted driving to make our roads safer. My work on Social Media bias, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity has been crucial in protecting our communities from new threats, including data privacy violations and online fraud. Moreover, I have consistently supported law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources necessary to safeguard our neighborhoods while maintaining transparency and trust within our community. Mental health advocacy has been another cornerstone of my public service. I have fought to improve access to mental health resources, particularly for our youth, knowing that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being. My work in this area has been acknowledged by the Connecticut Psychologist Association, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and many other mental health support organizations. In addition to these efforts, I have consistently tackled skyrocketing utility costs, holding companies like UI accountable and pushing for transparency in projects that affect our environment and private properties. I’ve fought against unaffordable healthcare costs and supported women’s health initiatives, including reproductive rights, breast cancer prevention, and better diagnostic access. I’ve opposed tax-and-spend budgets and championed fiscal responsibility, leading to a record tax cut in the last budget session. Despite the divisive national rhetoric, my focus has always been on the needs of the people of this district. I work across party lines to deliver real results that matter. I have and will always "be there" to support and represent our community. I invite you to review my efforts and accomplishments at TonyHwang.org, and I hope to earn your continued support to keep fighting for you as your state senator.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Misinformation, manipulated facts, and gaslighting have become pervasive tools in today’s political campaigns, and they pose a serious threat to our political discourse and democratic engagement. When falsehoods and distortions dominate the conversation, they undermine trust in the political process and distort the true issues at stake. This is not just a concern for candidates but for voters who deserve to make informed decisions based on facts, not fear or deception. The danger of this growing trend is that it erodes our ability to have meaningful, solution-driven discussions about the issues that affect us all. When facts are twisted, and emotions are inflamed for political gain, the focus shifts away from real solutions and instead deepens division. This is not the way forward. Our democracy depends on open, honest debate where we can engage in respectful dialogue, even when we disagree. If you have any questions or concerns about my record or my positions, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. Call me at 203-807-8098 or email me at Tony@TonyHwang.org. You can also visit my website, TonyHwang.org, to get the facts and learn about my platform. Don’t be swayed by the national rhetoric and partisan divisions that seek to confuse and mislead. Instead, let’s have a conversation based on the real issues. I am proud to run a campaign focused on issues and solutions, and I hope that resonates with you. Together, we can move our political process forward in a positive and constructive way, focused on improving the lives of the people in our community.
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