Candidate Profile: Brandi Mandato, 34th State Senate District

NORTH HAVEN, 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.

Brandi Mandato, 44, of North Haven, is running for election to the 34th state senate district, representing Durham, East Haven, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford.

Campaign website

https://www.mandatofor34.com/

Party affiliation: Democratic Party, Working Families Party

Education: Studied Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven

Occupation: Senior Director, Center for Justice and Economic Advancement, Jobs for the Future. 20+ years in economic and workforce development

Family: I am the oldest of 8 siblings. I am married and my husband and I have two wonderful children.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I've never held public office.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for state senate to ensure our government is as accessible and accountable as it should be and that our leaders and policy makers are implementing good solutions to the real challenges facing the people of Connecticut.

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

Affordability. This is a complex issue that requires our elected officials in Hartford be champions of working people. I have a proven track record of driving economic mobility and connecting people and business to key resources, creating better options for all of 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?

The US Dept. of Transportation has adopted the tested and effective "zero deaths vision" and a Safe System approach to get there. Fully implementing this model would address the alarming number of deaths on CT's roadways.

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

I've spent 20 years working to find good solutions to some of our country's biggest challenges because I want all of us to live up to our greatest aspirations and live good lives. I see public office as an extension of this service.

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

Before moving back home I was recognized as one of the most impactful people driving economic development in New York State, I designed programming for dislocated workers that was recognized by the Obama Administration as a best practice, I've been a trusted steward of public dollars, and have spent decades in leadership roles managing complex projects at the intersection of the public and private sector with strong, measurable outcomes.

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

Policy is a lever for change and we need people in government that are motivated by service- not power.