Candidate Profile: Craig Fishbein, 90th State House District

WALLINGFORD, 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.

Craig Fishbein, 59, of Wallingford, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 90th District, representing parts of Wallingford and all of Middlefield.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law; Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Quinnipiac University

Occupation: Trial Attorney, 23 years

Family: Wife Rhonda, 33 years.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Wallingford Town Councilor (2010 to Present); State Representative (2016 to Present)

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue in the quest for smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the day-to-day affairs of our law-abiding citizens.

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

Public Safety: In addition to legislation that I have already had passed, to oppose the numerous initiatives in Hartford to be "soft on crime." We should all be comfortable in our homes and outside our homes. This ranges from domestic violence (where I have been an active advocate for change) to traveling on our roadways. To fear being in either place is demoralizing and counterproductive on many planes. We are guaranteed "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." One of the fundamental jobs of government to ensure these inalienable rights is to provide for public safety, while recognizing other counterbalancing constitutional protections. It is an important dynamic ... and it should be protected by all elected (and appointed) officials.

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?

In my opinion, most of this stems from the lack of police that are patrolling our roadways. It is sort of like, "when the cat is away, the mice will play." A physical presence goes a long way here. However, that is more of an administrative function than legislative, as the Governor can direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety to address the matter by placing more officers on our highways. On the legislative front, perhaps permitting a police officer to be able to stop a vehicle operated by someone smoking pot or one that is transporting children while smoking pot would be helpful here. Yes, it is true, police officers can pull someone over for drinking a beer while driving, but NOT when they are smoking pot.

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

I have a record in office as a public official that I can stand by. My opponent has never been appointed or elected to anything, and therefore has no record.

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

My record stands for itself.