CT Patch Candidate Profile: Dominique Johnson For State Rep

WESTPORT, CT — Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Westport and Norwalk.

To help educate readers about the state's election, Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns, and about the issues that are facing the town and state.

Candidate’s Name: Dominique Johnson

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 143rd House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Norwalk

Party affiliation: Democratic

Education: PhD, Temple University; MA, Stanford University; BA, Bryn Mawr College

Occupation: Nonprofit consultant and college professor (10 years)

Family: My partner Billie and our rescue dog Rey proudly live in Cranbury.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No family members work in the CT government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

State Representative of the 143rd District (2022-present) and Norwalk Common Council member at-large (2020-2022)

Age: 47

Why are you seeking this office?

Our kids and grandkids deserve a safe, healthy, and prosperous future where their hard work is able to be rewarded. I am running for re-election as your State Representative for you, for my neighbors and my community. It remains an honor and privilege to bring your voices to Hartford. Together we will continue to move our community forward with integrity and empathy.

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

Affordability for working families and the middle class is a top priority, including stabilizing utility rates and the cost of child care. These issues are intricately tied to the well-being of our families and their quality of life, and they are priorities because when we lift up women and their families we lift up us all. I will be co-sponsoring and working on initiatives this next session to ensure we are prioritizing the needs of our families on these issues.

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?

Yes, we should continue working to improve safety on our roadways by passing meaningful legislation. Over the past term we passed vision zero legislation that allows municipalities to implement safer streets policies and we passed legislation to better prevent wrong way driving fatalities. We can further address fatalies on our roadways by improving supports for speeding enforcement and addressing driving under the influence.

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

A pragmatic legislator who stays true to my beliefs, I have delivered results with compassion and respect. I will continue to lead with integrity and empathy, putting children and their families, our elders, and the community we build together at the heart of my work for constituents. I am a coalition builder and am proud to be cross-endorsed by the Independent Party of CT and the CT Working Families Party.

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

I served on my local City council for three years and then was elected to my first term as State Rep. in 2022. I was appointed Deputy Majority Caucus Chair and an Assistant Majority Leader for the term. During this first term, I helped write and shepherd our sweeping, generational elder care bill (HB 5001) into law, wrote and introduced the Green Jobs Corps Bill on the House floor and got it over the finish line, fought for and won $1,000,000 in the state budget to establish the Early Literacy Fund (ELF) for our children and families, and co-wrote the workforce development, entrepreneurship, and small business incentive provisions of the House priority climate bill (the CT Climate Protection Act).

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

I was motivated by the opportunity to work hard for my community and give back to its next generation and their families. I am inspired by the belief my neighbors have in me to bring positivity to this work and be a responsive, accessible person they can put their trust in to work on their behalf and for all people in our District. I lead and listen with my heart so together we can help make life a little bit better for all of us. I will continue to lead with integrity and empathy, putting children and their families, our elders, and the community we build together at the heart of my work for constituents.