Candidate Profile: Rebecca Hyland, 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.

Rebecca Hyland, 41, of Wallingford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 90th District, representing parts of Wallingford and all of Middlefield.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: I graduated from Sacred Heart Academy for high school. I then went to Quinnipiac University (Go Bobcats!) for my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Political Science. I went to the George Washington University Law School for my law degree.

Occupation: I worked as a public defender and defense attorney in Virginia between 2009 and 2015. I taught high school civics, psychology, law, and history from 2015 to 2020. Since 2020, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom, while becoming involved in my communities and running for State Representative.

Family: I have an amazing family! My five-year-old son, Henry, just started kindergarten in the Wallingford Public Schools. My husband, Ben, and I have been married since 2014. We have two dogs, Vada and Knox, and two cats, Lucy and Desi. My mom, Donna, lives in Northford with my brother, Phil, who is a general contractor and my sister-in-law, Ashley. They have Nolan (6) and Logan (2). I have more family in Northford, East Haven, and the greater tristate area! I have 4 nephews and 2 nieces.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No one in my family works in politics or government. I will be the first elected official in my family!

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have not held public office before. I bring a fresh perspective as a mom, lawyer by training, and former teacher. I’m excited to put my love of policy and the Constitution together with my love of helping people on a day-to-day basis as State Representative.

Why are you seeking this office?

I know that our government needs to do better for us, and this starts by having representatives who are willing to listen and put the needs of the people above all else. Our politicians need to be accountable to us the people, regardless of our party affiliation, and that is why we need change in Hartford. After talking to thousands of people at their doors, I know that we want the same things - happiness, health, and opportunities to succeed. What separates us are policy differences on how to achieve the goals. Unfortunately, our current representatives dig their heels in, refuse to work across the aisle, and only vote party line, even when there is bipartisan agreement on certain issues. If we’re going to create real solutions to our policy differences, we need to listen to one another and actually achieve results that help people. I am a dedicated mother, wife, teacher, attorney, and advocate striving to secure a better future for my son Henry, as well as the communities of Wallingford and Middlefield. Government should prioritize the needs of its citizens over corporate interests. I envision a political landscape where party affiliations are set aside to focus on the well-being of those I represent. I’m advocating for improved access to healthcare, education, and economic stability, particularly in the wake of the disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am committed to combating corporate greed and inflation, seeking to support hardworking individuals and address your struggles effectively. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure for enhanced safety and cost-effectiveness, I will foster a community where everyone can prosper together.

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

Economic Stressors - The hardworking people of Connecticut and those living on limited incomes are being made to carry an unfair share of taxes, pay price increases driven by unchecked corporate greed, pay for prescriptions and medical care that should be covered by insurance, and foot the bill for wealthy people who use every government exemption available to avoid fulfilling their end of the bargain in society. I will focus on regulations that keep insurance companies and big corporations in check. I will also advocate for working families and policies that support workers, improve working conditions, and help alleviate the costs of day to day living, like utility/electric prices and grocery prices. I am committed to bringing money from Hartford back to our towns to help fray the costs of municipal improvements, such as schools and first responders’ needs.

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 roads have becoming markedly more dangerous in the last few years. There have been numerous nationwide studies trying to identify causes and solutions, and there are legislative actions that can be taken to address the dangerous road conditions. There are short-term and longer-term solutions. First, we have to ensure our State Troopers and police are supported, both in addressing staffing shortages and workplace conditions. Police are being asked to make life and death, split-second decisions while chronically fatigued from working 80-100+ hour weeks. This harms the officers and their abilities to help keep the public safe. Officers are normal people, and therefore, suffer from the same uptick in mental health concerns and substance abuse issues that have plagued us post-pandemic. We need to take stronger steps to support their health needs both in the workplace and out. Second, as part of a longer-term solution, we have to address the epidemic of road-rage (mental health) and substance abuse making our roads more dangerous. The pandemic changed our way of life in ways some more predictable than others. There’s been a notable increase of road-rage related incidents on our roadways, and we’ve all watched someone we know suffering from substance abuse issues. As we focus on providing more support and resources to mental health and substance abuse, we will be able to make the roadways safer. As your representative, I am committed to solutions that are evidence-based, financially responsible, but most importantly, effective at making you and your loved ones safer.

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

I recognize the importance of placing people first. I’ve listened to thousands of people in Wallingford and Middlefield, and I know that we have far more in common than politicians may have us believe. I will NOT vote party line. I will vote based on what you NEED, what HELPS you in your day-to-day lives, and what makes SENSE when it comes to the government’s role in your life. The government must be made to work FOR YOU. I am the representative you deserve: solely focused on advocating for your voice in Hartford, and committed to helping everyday people and small businesses.

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

I was a trial attorney representing hundreds of clients at a time, balancing the complexities of very serious cases with the speed of less serious cases, on a daily basis. I then taught high school students, carrying one of the largest student loads at the school. Lastly, I have a precious 5 year old son, for whom I would move oceans. Running for office while balancing my son’s needs has shown me that making a positive, effective change for his and all of our futures is the most important thing I can do with my talents and experience. I look forward to putting my abilities to work in Hartford.

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

I welcome the chance to talk with you more about your needs. Talking to the people you represent is the most important part of being a representative. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working on your behalf.