Meriden Election 2025: Yvette Cortez Running For City Council

MERIDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council and Board of Education.

Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Yvette Cortez is running for re-election to the Meriden City Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
City Council Area 1

Campaign Website
http://www.meridendems.com

Occupation:

Social Worker with the State of CT for 23 years

Family:
Yes, I do! I have two amazing kids — Gisella, who’s 17, and Bryson, who’s 15. They both go to Platt High School and stay busy with sports, so there’s always something going on in our house. Whether it’s cheering them on at games or just hanging out after a long day, I love being part of their world. We also have our sweet dog, Tula, who brings so much love (and lots of energy) to our family. Life is busy in our home, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes, I do. I have family who work at the executive level in state government — one with the Department of Social Services and another with the Department of Children and Families. They both really care about helping others, and I’m proud of the work they do.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I am currently a City Councilor, representing Area 1. I began to serve in this capacity in 2021.

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running because I want to represent the people and neighborhoods in Meriden that are too often overlooked. Our community faces real challenges, and I want to be a strong advocate for those who are underrepresented and unheard. As a Boricua and lifelong Meriden resident, I’m deeply committed to supporting our Hispanic community and making sure everyone has a seat at the table. I’m also a proud parent of two children in the Meriden Public Schools, which gives me a personal understanding of the needs and hopes of local families. This city is my home, and I want to help it thrive for everyone who calls it home.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the lack of opportunity and support for poor families. Too many people in our community are struggling to keep up, and it affects everything — from our schools to our neighborhoods. I intend to focus on strengthening community resources, improving access to education and community programs, and making sure every family has a fair chance to succeed. By listening to residents and working together, we can build a stronger, more supportive Meriden for everyone.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major difference between me and my opponent is my experience and deep connection to this community. I bring five years of experience as a City Councilor and over twenty years as a government employee, which has given me a strong understanding of how local and state systems work. I’ve also served as Chair of both the Finance and Public Safety Committees and as Vice-Chair of the Human Services Committee, where I’ve worked directly on issues that impact Meriden families every day.

As a parent of two children in the Meriden Public Schools and someone who was born and raised here, I’m deeply invested in the success of our city. While my opponent’s small business experience is valuable, my background is rooted in public service and community advocacy — experience that directly prepares me to serve effectively in this role.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
There are several issues I’m passionate about addressing during my campaign because they truly impact the people of Meriden. Homelessness and access to affordable, income-based housing are at the top of my list — everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. I also want to continue supporting our seniors by strengthening programs at the senior center and making sure they have the resources and community connections they need.

Public safety is another major concern. I want to work on reducing crime while also investing in prevention programs and community support that address the root causes. And as someone who believes in fiscal responsibility, I’ll continue pushing for smart, responsible spending so we can ease the tax burden on residents without cutting essential services. My goal is to make Meriden a place where families, seniors, and young people can all thrive together.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I believe my record of service shows that I can handle this job and make a real difference. I’ve worked in government for 23 years, which has given me a deep understanding of how things get done and how to navigate challenges to deliver results. For the past five years, I’ve also had the honor of serving as a City Councilor here in Meriden. During that time, I’ve served on several key committees — Finance, Economic Development, Human Services, and Public Safety — where I’ve helped make important decisions that affect our community every day. Through all of this, my focus has always been on listening to residents, solving problems, and making sure our local government works for everyone. Those experiences have prepared me to continue serving with dedication, transparency, and heart.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Have faith.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want voters to know that my heart is fully in this work. I care deeply about Meriden and the people who call it home. I’m looking forward to continuing the progress we’ve made toward building a new senior center, addressing the housing crisis, and supporting smart economic development that brings opportunities to our city. Reducing crime and ensuring our neighborhoods are safe will always be a priority, as will making sure our schools have the resources they need to help every child succeed.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far, but there’s still more to do — and I’m committed to keeping that progress going, together with the community.