Candidate Profile: Jerry Farrell Jr., 85th 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.

Jerry Farrell Jr., 56, of Wallingford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 85th District, representing Wallingford.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Whittlesey Avenue Elementary School, K-5; Holy Trinity School, 6-8; College of the Holy Cross, BA; Villanova University Law School, JD.

Occupation: Attorney

Family: Son, 17, at Lyman Hall; Daughter, graduated Lyman Hall in 2024, 18.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

CT Commissioner of Consumer Protection, 2006-2011; Member, Wallingford Town Council, 1995-2011.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe that Wallingford has not gotten its fair share of state aid from Hartford, to help fund renovation of our schools, parks, roads and bridges in town. I will go after every dollar of state aid, as this helps alleviate the need to raise local property taxes.

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

The nation itself has large problems due to the high cost of energy, which makes everything else expensive. We are blessed in Wallingford that our electric is municipal and cheaper and more reliable than elsewhere.

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?

Additional resources should go to law enforcement. Regrettably the state legislature has undermined the role of law enforcement and respect for our laws.

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

The incumbent has been in office for 44 years. She's a nice person, but it's long overdue that someone else with new ideas and new energy take over. My background as a lawyer, the former head of a state agency, and a member of the Wallingford Town Council qualify me to be the best person to be elected to this office and fight for the people of Wallingford.

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

I served as Connecticut's Commissioner of Consumer Protection during the administration of Governor Jodi Rell. I ran a state agency with 160 people and a budget of $160 million. I worked to bring down fees charged by state government while getting increased services. I worked with state legislators to draft state laws, in addition to being responsible for implementation of those laws.

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

I have always been very involved in the community. I have served as a lector at Holy Trinity Church since 1982. I have been involved in Habitat for Humanity of Wallingford, the Wallingford Emergency Shelter, Wallingford Rotary, Wallingford Elks, Libero Pensiero Society, the Hungarian Community Club, and the Polish National Alliance.