Patch Candidate Profile: Jillian Gilchrest For 18th State House

WEST HARTFORD, 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.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, is running for another term in office. She is running unopposed.

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 18th House

What city or town do you live in? West Hartford

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education/Experience: Elected to represent the 18th District of West Hartford in the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) in 2018. Serve as House chair of the Human Services Committee and member of the Appropriations, Public Health, and Judiciary committees.

JChairs MAPOC, the Trafficking in Persons Council, and the Endometriosis Working Group.

Prior to becoming a state representative, served as the director of health and professional outreach for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut, and director of policy & communications for the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Have extensive experience advocating for women’s health and safety, in particular influencing public policy at the CGA.

Elected to the West Hartford Board of Education in 2013.

Have a master's degree in social work with a focus in policy practice from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where she has taught political advocacy.

Currently, teach at the University of Saint Joseph and the University of Hartford.

Occupation: State representative, three terms; adjunct faculty

Family: Two children, ages 15 and 12.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elected: State representative and board of education

Age: 42

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to represent my community at the State Capitol, to make positive changes in the lives of Connecticut residents, and to improve conditions in the state.

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

The cost of living is too high for many residents and government support and services have been short changed. I would like to update our state's fiscal guardrails so we can invest in the people of Connecticut.

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?

We have passed legislation that is currently being implemented, like funding to support communities in their Vision Zero plans.

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

I listen to my constituents and have worked with many of my colleagues to pass meaningful legislation.

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

I am here to represent you. If you have any concerns or recommendations, please reach out to me to discuss.