Candidate Profile: Deborah Rizzo, 2nd State House District

DANBURY, CT — Deborah "Debbie" Rizzo, a Republican, is running for Connecticut's 2nd State House District in the Nov. 3 general election.

Rizzo is challenging incumbent Democratic state Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan for the seat, which represents portions of Danbury and Bethel.

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Patch asked candidates running in the 2026 election to answer questions about their backgrounds, priorities and positions on issues affecting Connecticut residents.

Here are Rizzo's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

Deborah (Debbie) Rizzo

What office are you seeking?

State Representative District 2

Age:

63

District:

2 - Bethel and Danbury

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://Rizzo2026.com

Occupation:

Industrial Real Estate for Linde Inc.

Family:

Daughter Kristi and her husband Justin, Daughter Shari and her husband Bruce, Son Michael Jr, and grandchildren: Jack, Fred, Dean, Brooke, and Blake

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Betel Board of Education: Chairperson of Curriculum and Contract Negotiations

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because I love my community and am deeply concerned about Connecticut's future. For more than five decades, I have lived, worked, raised my family and volunteered in this community. I am not a career politician. I am a working professional who understands financial responsibility, negotiation, accountability, and the importance of listening. I am not running for a title. I am running to make a difference. I believe Connecticut can do better, our families deserve better, and I have the experience, determination and integrity to be their voice in Hartford

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

Affordability is the number one issue facing Connecticut. Families, seniors, and small businesses are struggling with rising electricity bills, property taxes, insurance and everyday expenses. As State Representative, I will fight for responsible government spending, meaningful tax relief, lower energy costs, and policies that encourage business growth. Connecticut should be a place where our children can afford to raise families, our seniors can retire comfortably, and businesses can thrive.

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

Connecticut residents are paying far too much for electricity. I support eliminating the Public Benefits Charge from Eversource bills, reviewing the programs it funds, eliminating unnecessary costs, and moving essential programs into the State budget, where spending can be openly debated and held accountable. I will also advocate for greater transparency in utility billing, review costly energy mandates, and support reliable, affordable energy solutions. Lastly, I will fight to eliminate special tax subsidies for data center, EV chargers, and heat pump installations that can drive up costs for everyone else.

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

Affordability affects every aspect of our lives, from housing and groceries to taxes, insurance, and operating a business. I will advocate for fiscal responsibility, oppose unnecessary tax increases, reduce burdensome regulations, and support policies that strengthen Connecticut's economy. As an Industrial real estate professional, I understand how rising costs affect business decisions, jobs, and economic growth. We must make Connecticut more competitive while protecting taxpayers. My goal is to make Connecticut a more affordable place to live, work, raise a family, operate a business, and retire.

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

I bring more than 15 years of professional experience as an Industrial Real Estate professional for Linde, a global Industrial gases corporation headquartered in Danbury. I negotiate industrial real estate leases throughout all of the United States, representing multiple business divisions. As the only woman on an otherwise all-make real estate team, I have earned respect through preparation, determination, and results. My responsibilities require financial analysis, complex negotiations, sound judgment, and the ability to find common ground while protecting the company's interests. I know how to negotiate, make difficult decisions, manage financial responsibilities, and get results. I will bring those skills to Hartford.

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

I am a mother of three, grandmother of five, working professional, and long-time community volunteer. My campaign focuses on Affordability, Accountability and Integrity, Public Safety, Education and Parental Rights. I proudly support our law enforcement officers, and I am honored by the State of Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police, as well as the Local Fraternal Order of Police Endorsements. I believe in holding criminals accountable, and I have lived my entire life by respecting and obeying the law. As a former Board of Education member, I believe schools should focus on academic excellence, not political ideology. Above all, I believe that elected officials must be accessible, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve. I will be an independent voice for Bethel and Danbury, putting constituents ahead of party politics and leading with common sense and integrity.