DANBURY, CT — Irving Fox, a Republican, is running for Connecticut's 138th State House District in the Nov. 3 general election.
Fox is challenging incumbent Democratic state Rep. Kenneth Gucker for the seat, which includes portions of Danbury.
Patch asked candidates running in the 2026 election to answer questions about their backgrounds, priorities and positions on issues affecting Connecticut residents.
Here are Fox's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire.
Candidate's Name:
Irving Fox
What office are you seeking?
State Representative - 138th District
Age:
56
District:
138
Party:
Republican
Campaign website:
Occupation:
Finance Manager
Family:
1 daughter Valerie Fox, 3 sons Ryan Fox, Bradley Fox, and Adam Fox
Does anyone in your family work in government?
Ryan and Valerie Fox are both public school teachers
Previous public office:
Member, Danbury Board of Education 2006-2011, Chair, Danbury Board of Education 2010-2011, Danbury City Councilman (1st Ward) 2013-2025, Member, Danbury Republican Town Committee 2011-2013 & 2026
Why are you seeking this office?
Over the past 20 years, I have truly enjoyed serving the Danbury community, and am looking for ways to improve the quality of life here.
I feel that Danbury has been mostly overlooked by the State Legislature up in Hartford as it relates to our road and public transit networks and in education. In addition, the legislature is a primary reason why Connecticut has one of the highest tax burdens and costs of living in the country.
Many of our families and employers are leaving the state because of these conditions. I believe we can turn things around It will take electing representatives who will change the culture up at the capital to promote cost efficiency, while at the same time providing Danbury the resources it needs.
In my opinion, this is the best way to solve our transportation and education funding issues for the long term. I feel that my public service and business experiences have prepared me to advocate and effect the changes that need to take place up at the capitol.
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 is the crushing cost of living. Driven by one of the highest tax burdens in the country, rising everyday costs are forcing young workers and families out of state while leaving seniors on fixed incomes struggling to keep their homes.
To fix this, state government must start operating like a household budget: live within its means and prioritize essential needs.
My plan focuses on five clear steps:
1)Prioritize Core Services: Protect funding for essential functions—public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and schools—while auditing discretionary programs to cut waste.
2)Review State Contracts: Re-evaluate supplier contracts and state projects to ensure taxpayers get maximum value for every dollar.
3)Impose a Tax Moratorium: Stop adding new tax burdens on families and small businesses.
4)Respect Fiscal Guardrails: Keep state spending under strict statutory caps without legislative workarounds.
5)Deliver Direct Relief: Protect state municipal aid so local towns aren't forced to hike property taxes on our homeowners.
Connecticut doesn't have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. It is time to restore accountability and make our state affordable again.
Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?
Connecticut residents pay some of the highest electric rates in the country, crushing families and businesses. To deliver long-term relief, we must increase supply, strengthen in-state generation, and clean up utility bills.
My action plan includes:
1)Unclog Supply Bottlenecks: Partner with regional governors and federal regulators to overcome pipeline blockages, increasing natural gas delivery into New England to lower winter price spikes.
2)Expand Clean Baseload Power: Work with operators to study capacity expansions at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant. We must also negotiate multi-state agreements so neighboring states pay their fair share for the regional grid benefits Millstone provides.
3)Reform the Public Benefit Charge: Shift state-mandated social programs and policy subsidies off utility bills. Electric bills should reflect actual power delivery, not serve as a back-door tax on working families.
By expanding local energy supply and eliminating hidden fees, we can provide real, lasting rate relief.
Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?
As this issue is in my opinion the number one issue facing Connecticut I will reiterate my plan described in a previous question:
My plan focuses on five clear steps:
1)Prioritize Core Services: Protect funding for essential functions—public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and schools—while auditing discretionary programs to cut waste.
2)Review State Contracts: Re-evaluate supplier contracts and state projects to ensure taxpayers get maximum value for every dollar.
3)Impose a Tax Moratorium: Stop adding new tax burdens on families and small businesses.
4)Respect Fiscal Guardrails: Keep state spending under strict statutory caps without legislative workarounds.
5)Deliver Direct Relief: Protect state municipal aid so local towns aren't forced to hike property taxes on our homeowners.
The steps I laid out in the previous question on energy costs also apply to the more general affordability crisis and should be implemented to help families and businesses thrive in Connecticut.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have worked diligently in my roles on the City Council and Board of Education to enable the city to provide essential services to our residents in as efficient manner as possible.
During my tenure in office, Danbury had one of the lowest tax burdens for a city of our size in the state.
As a result, the economics of Danbury have been a primary driver of the growth of our city over the past 20 years.
In addition, I have been very effective in working across party lines to ensure the decisions that are made are best for the community. I plan to take this same approach to Hartford.
Working together, I believe we can solve these long standing problems.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
In addition to my public service, I have been a volunteer in youth sports in Danbury for the past 20 years.
It has truly been an honor to serve and give back to the community I adopted as my home in 1994 and which provided an amazing environment to raise my children in.
My goal is to do the best I can to enable the state to alleviate the problems I see in our area on a daily basis. The high cost of living, our transportation networks, and our education system all require more attention that what has been given so far.
My experience, ability to work together, and common sense approach all have prepared me to be the best candidate for State Representative for the 138th District.
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