CT Patch Candidate Profile: Bob Duff For State Senate

NORWALK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Bob Duff, 53, a Democrat, is running for state senator in the 25th Senate District.

What city or town do you live in?

Norwalk.

Education

Bachelor of Arts.

Occupation

Real Estate Agent, 20+ years.

Family

Wife and sons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

State Representative, 2002-2005; State Senator, 2005-present; Senate Majority Leader, 2015-present.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am looking to continue helping residents of the Norwalk and Darien communities. Whether assisting a constituent in navigating through an issue with state government or helping them find services to get back on their feet after a challenge faced, I take enjoy working for others.

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

The number one issue facing Connecticut is growing our state’s economy. People are moving here, we’ve enacted state income tax cuts, there are multiple years of state surplus, our Wall Street bond ratings have increased and we are paying down decades of neglected debt. We’ve made historic investments in education, infrastructure and transportation, but more must be done. Non-profits continue to be squeezed, higher education, housing and early childhood education needs prioritization as well. Lastly, it is important to ensure Connecticut continues to be smart on gun safety and choice on reproductive rights.

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?

I’ve met with the highest levels of DOT leadership. It is something the legislature and DOT is taking extremely seriously. We’ve stiffened penalties and put a lot of money into prevention. Unfortunately, most of the accidents, especially the most tragic ones are alcohol related. In addition, the legislature has funded, and are continuing to fund state trooper classes to put more police on our highways to enforce safe driving. People got used to driving faster during the pandemic and we need to get send strong messages with education, enforcement and penalties.

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

I can’t comment on the other candidate, but will promise to work my hardest if I am fortunate enough to be elected to another two years by the voters of Norwalk and Darien.

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

I am proud to having been elected by my colleagues as majority leader multiple times. The trust they put in me to shepherd their priorities through the Senate is humbling. The rewrite I authored of the state education funding formula has not only brought more money back to the district, it has made the formula actually work for the first time since it was enacted. I am proud of the many projects that I have helped to bring state money to, including new schools for both Norwalk & Darien, as well as housing, infrastructure and non-profits. Finally, I am very proud of the many consumer protection bills that I have written and have passed, including data privacy and junk fees.

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

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the voters of the 25th Senate District for entrusting me to represent them and humbly ask the voters to continue to put their confidence in me to work for them. I believe I have always put their best interests first and if reelected I will continue to do the same.