Candidate Profile: Kate Farrar, 20th House District

WEST HARTFORD/NEWINGTON, CT — The 2022 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 gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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 over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

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

State Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford, is running for another term in the House of Representatives, 20th House District. She is running against GOP challenger Anastasia Yopp of Newington.

The newly redistricted House seat now serves parts of West Hartford and Newington.

Age: 43

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Nonprofit manager (over 20 years)

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Connecticut and a master's in public administration from Syracuse University.

Previous elected/appointed experience: Serves on the Finance, Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Insurance & Real Estate Committees and as Deputy Majority Caucus Chair. Serves as program specialist for Connecticut Foodshare and as board member for the Betty Knox Foundation and the Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls. Currently elected as state representative.

Family: Husband Chan and dog Lizzie

Campaign website: http://www.kateforct.com

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

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for office to continue to be a champion for our community.
During my first term in office, I am proud of what we’ve worked together to achieve—from increasing affordable health care for our most vulnerable to the largest tax cut in our state's history to delivering millions in economic and community development investments the district.
In these challenging times, I will continue to fight for an economy that works for all, to protect our rights, and to create a greener future.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Inflation and higher costs. I intend to continue to advocate in my role on the Finance Committee to create a fairer tax system and cut taxes for our seniors and working families.

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

I am a proven champion for our community and delivered significant tax cuts, more affordable health care and millions of dollars for economic and community development in the district. I fight for equity, fairness and justice and am committed to protecting our human rights.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I address a range of issues for youth, women, working families and seniors and encourage you to learn more at: kateforct.com.

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

I have over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit advocate and active community volunteer. I led the passage of CT’s landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave Act and advanced new laws for pay equity and increasing the minimum wage as executive director of the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF). What I’ve learned over my career is that to get work done, leaders need to start by listening carefully to individual needs. Leaders also need to build support and work together.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Building relationships matters over anything else.

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

I grew up in Connecticut and graduated from UConn. I took time to live and work in other areas of the country to expand my perspective and experience, and then moved home with my husband, Chan, and our dog, Lizzie, to apply it. My continued role as a nonprofit leader and community volunteer brings a breadth of experience to this role as state representative.

I know what it takes to represent you, to make you a priority, and I want us to continue to build solutions for the future of our communities — both West Hartford and Newington.

From Oct. 19: 'Candidate Profile: Anastasia Yopp, 20th House District'