Patch Candidate Profile: Jenn Lewis, 2nd State House District​

BETHEL, CT — The 2022 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 gubernatorial 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.

Jenn Lewis, a Bethel resident, is running for election in the 2nd House District. She is challenging two-term incumbent Democrat Raghib Allie-Brennan.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Republican, and endorsed by the Independent Party

Education: Bethel High School; Attended Western Connecticut State University

Occupation: Director of Operations, 6 years. Former Special Education ABA provider 10 years

Family: I am born and raised in the Danbury/Bethel community and now I’m raising my family here. I have been in Bethel for the last 10 years with my husband, my two kids Aubrey (12), Austin (10) and our three dogs. My husband and I met at Bethel High. My daughter is involved in many school activities as well as dance & theater. My son is on the autism spectrum and coming from a background in special education I felt the need to focus on him when he started his education journey. He, too, loves theater!

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Age: 40

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because I am not happy with the current state of affairs in Connecticut; I could no longer sit idle and just complain around the dinner table. I want to be part of the solution to bring about needed change in our state: more affordability, safer schools that focus more on reading, writing and arithmetic, and making sure zoning and many other issues are decisions we as residents get to decide for ourselves.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordability. Connecticut continually overspends, which leads to more and more taxes. As we know, taxes never seem to go down, only up. We need to get smarter with our money. I join many of my fellow conservative candidates across the state in supporting a plan that eliminates numerous taxes that cost more to collect than they bring in. I want our legislature to take logical fiscal steps that will go a long way towards easing the burden on residents and small businesses right here at home. I would also support reductions to sales taxes, gas taxes and more that will help the people of our district greatly.

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

In what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I was saddened to see my opponent vote in support of the Police Accountability Bill. A bill that I believe was a step in the wrong direction. A critical piece of this bill is the loss of qualified immunity. In short, this means the men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis are far more likely now to face lawsuits—many times for taking reasonable actions in order to keep themselves and our families safe. It is important to note, qualified immunity does not protect an officer that has acted in bad faith and with poor judgement. Prior to this bill, bad officers still faced liability for their actions. In my opinion, the qualified immunity protected good officers making unbelievably difficult decisions in emergency situations. These officers should be supported. I promise that as a resident and a candidate for state representative, I am here to support them and thank them for what they do for us each and every day.

Furthermore, my opponent also accepted the endorsement of the Working Family’s Party—a party that, on Twitter, publicly called to “Defund the Police.” From being an involved member of the community, I know from having conversations with the residents of my district. Less protection and eliminating necessary resources are us heading in the wrong direction. The legislature must address qualified immunity next session and we need representatives in each district who support our brave men and women in uniform. I will be that person for this district. The distinctions on this issue couldn't be any clearer.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

EDUCATION AND PARENTS’ RIGHT: Parents and Children first, not politicians.
As a former educator and a parent of two young children, I know how dedicated and hard our teachers work. In addition to the dedication of our teachers across the state, I feel it is important that our curriculum focuses on reading, writing and arithmetic, and be assured that our students are prepared for the workforce and the future. I am committed to providing all parents a stronger voice in their child’s education. I will work to provide parents with more educational opportunities for their children.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CONTROL OVER ZONING: Zoning decisions should be made by neighbors, not bureaucrats in Hartford.
Housing developers and others in recent years have pushed to circumvent local zoning rules to allow for more high-density housing development. That should be a decision made by our neighbors, not bureaucrats. I will oppose any state laws which take away local control from our communities' zoning and planning boards. As well as block any effort at forced school district regionalization.

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

My greatest accomplishments that cite as evidence that I can handle this job is being who I am as a mother, community member, small business owner, tax payer and former educator. I am going to bring the community to Hartford, not the politician into the community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mom told me when she sent me off to college, “When you stand for something and care passionately about it. You fight hard, talk from the heart and to the heart and you don’t take no for an answer. You keep fighting until you get the results that are needed." She asked me to take that with me as I went off and started my adult life and make a difference, make needed changes and use it to do good. From there I joined nonprofits, started giving back in areas of greatest need and got involved instead of complaining. This drive, passion and hard work is what I plan to bring to the table as I make a difference in Hartford.

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

I stepped up to run to be the neighbor with a seat at the table in Hartford, to be your voice, I will bring the community to Hartford, not a politician into the community. I am bringing my lens of a tax payer, home owner, parent, small business owner, former educator and YOUR neighbor to Hartford. When in Hartford, I will take what we do and bring it back down to the community to share, educate and listen. Then, advocate for the communities needs.