Guilford Dem Rader Runs For District 98 State Rep Seat

GUILFORD, CT —Moira Rader announced Wednesday she's launched her campaign for State Representative of the 98th District, which includes parts of Guilford and Branford.

The Democrat from Guilford is currently the Board of Education vice chairperson.

Rader said following state Rep. Sean Scanlon's announcement last week that he's running for State Comptroller, she's now "poised to run a full and energized campaign, working to win the seat and represent the unique voices of her district." She said she's qualified for the state’s citizens election grant program which will "ensure that her campaign is 100 percent publicly funded."

“I am humbled by the overwhelming energy and support I have received from this community around my candidacy," Rader was quoted as saying in a news release. "Reaching this critical fundraising goal will allow me to focus all of my attention on getting out in the district, meeting with neighbors and dedicating my time to truly listening to the needs and hopes of my potential constituents. I’m excited to harness this energy to do great things on behalf of the 98th District."

From a news release announcing her candidacy, Rader said she was "raised in a family of educators and creatives," and is a "vocal advocate for education and community-building.

First elected to the Board of Education in 2016, Prior to her election to the Board of Education in 2016, before that she served on the A. W Cox Elementary Advisory Board, volunteered as a K-3 religious education teacher at St. George and volunteered with shoreline non-profits that support families.

A design professional for over 25 years, she said she's an "active, engaged member of her community, noted as she received the highest number of votes on record for re-election to the Guilford BOE in 2021."

A resident of Guilford for the past decade, she said she's "excited to leverage her vast volunteer experience and professional acumen into this next role as State Representative."

“I can’t think of a better way to take my passion for volunteerism, my vast professional experiences and my understanding of community needs than to seek this office where I can affect real change and results for the citizens of this wonderful shoreline district," she said.

She points to her "steadfast dedication to the school system and the greater impact that imparts on all facets of community life," which she said has earned her the "admiration" of the community.

Rader holds a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University and a Masters’ Degree
from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
She has practiced in the fields of architecture and design for over 25 years, while also being
a licensed realtor in the state of Connecticut. An "active advocate for preserving and protecting both our historic and natural resources," she said she hopes to "bring her background to bear on issues that impact the landscape of our communities and the lives of her constituents."

Rader and her husband of 20 years, Peter, have four children and call the Mulberry Point area of Guilford home.

“I am thrilled by the opportunity to represent Guilford and Branford in the General Assembly,” she said. “We all want top-rate school systems, environmental measures that protect our communities, health care that's affordable and equitable, infrastructure that supports our towns and cities so that families can thrive and build great lives here in Connecticut. I believe there is a balance that can be achieved between a great quality of life and fiscal responsibility. I’m ready for the challenge and look forward to listening to constituents and ensuring their voices are heard in Hartford."