Patch Candidate Profile: State Rep. Donna Veach, R-Berlin, For 30th House District

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

BERLIN, CT — The 2026 election is heating up in Connecticut, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Subscribe

Eyes are primarily focused on the Connecticut gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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.

Berlin Democrat Linda Pierce is challenging state Rep. Donna Veach, R-Berlin, for the 30th State House District seat.

The 30th State House Seat is composed of parts of Berlin and Southington.

Candidate's Name:

Donna Veach

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

63

District:

30

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://reelectdonnaveach.com

Occupation:

Development Director (retired)

Family:

Married for 42 years, 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

I am currently a town councilor in Berlin and a State Representative in Berlin & Southington

Why are you seeking this office?

I have been fortunate to have served as your state legislator for the past 6 years. I am respected and have a seat at the table in Hartford. I have a proven track record and have listened to and assisted many of my constituents regardless of party affiliation. I have worked hard to listen and have their voices heard. I have been involved in this community for over 35 years. I believe there is much more to accomplish, and I want to continue to fight for a more affordable Connecticut. One that we can all prosper in, raise a family in, and retire in. I look forward to protecting your rights and advocating for a better Connecticut. It will be an honor to continue to serve the people of Berlin and Southington.

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

The number one issue facing Connecticut right now is affordability. The cost of paying for utilities, food, gas, and just about every consumable is beyond expensive. I have voted against taxation presented to us up in Hartford at every turn. I co-signed relief for Connecticut residents to no avail as a result of my colleagues' votes on the other side of the aisle. I have encouraged adhering to our guardrails as well as paying down our debt. I have opposed unfunded mandates that would be a burden to our taxpayers. We need to do better. We need to reduce our spending and make smart decisions on what we do spend our revenues on.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

The state of Connecticut has the 3rd highest energy costs in the country. Hidden in those costs are many taxes along with what they call a benefits charge. That benefits charge has no business in your electric bill. Part of that benefits charge is that we are picking up the tab for residents who didn't pay their electric bills during the pandemic. The first thing I would do would be to eliminate it. Additionally, I would eliminate the hidden taxes that also appear in our bills. Besides eliminating taxes, I would encourage ways to utilize other sources of energy like hydro, nuclear, and natural gas.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

The number one issue facing Connecticut right now is affordability. The cost of paying for utilities, food, gas, and just about every consumable is beyond expensive. I have voted against taxation presented to us up in Hartford at every turn. I co-signed relief for Connecticut residents to no avail as a result of my colleagues' votes on the other side of the aisle. I have encouraged adhering to our guardrails as well as paying down our debt. I have opposed unfunded mandates that would be a burden to our taxpayers. We need to do better. We need to reduce our spending and make smart decisions on what we do spend our revenues on.

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

I am a 3-term state representative with a 100% voting record (with the exception of one year when my mother passed away). I am committed to being present both in my committee meetings and on the House floor. Being there is critical in order to understand what the issues are and how important it is to vote to represent my constituents.

I have introduced legislation and co-sponsored legislation, working across the aisle while holding my conservative values.

I have brought funding to both of my communities by working hard and fighting for what I feel is right for our communities.

I have collaborated with state, local, and federal leaders to help secure much-needed housing for our seniors in Berlin.

I was also able to procure funding for renovations to our police station in Berlin to support our public safety updates for our police officers and our residents.

Additionally, I advocated for children and their families with a state grant for Camp Sloper in Southington.

I have had many people reach out to me for an assortment of issues, which I pride myself on addressing and fixing when possible.

Because of my voting for supportive pro-business legislation, I was named a 2026 Affordability Champion by CBIA (CT Business and Industry Association). I've also been given a bipartisan leadership position on the Internship Committee for the past two terms. Additionally, I serve on the Environment, Judiciary and Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committees, strengthening policies and fighting for our constitutional rights.

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

My constituents come first. I return every phone call and address every issue that comes to my attention. Regardless of affiliation, I listen and try to assist in a timely fashion. I spend a tremendous amount of time in Southington and have spent the last 35 years raising my family in Berlin. These two communities are what I love and fight for every single day! Every decision that I make is for them.