Patch Candidate Profile: Farley Santos, 109th State House District

DANBURY, 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.

Farley Santos, a Danbury resident, is running for State Representative, 109th District.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Graduate of Henry Abbott Technical High School, Connecticut School of Finance & Management, and Current Student at CT State Community College (NVCC)

Occupation: I am Vice President/Community Development Manager & Bank Ambassador at Savings Bank of Danbury with 10+ years of experience.

Family: I’m married to Kathleen (Verissimo) Santos and together we are blessed to be raising our 9-year-old daughter, Khloë.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I was elected to the Danbury Board of Education in 2017, was elected to the Danbury City Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2021 where I’m currently serving.

Age: 33

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m seeking this office because I think we need representatives who can tell the story of the Danbury experience in Hartford to effectively be able to bring back the resources we need here in Danbury. As someone whose family immigrated to the United States, has resided in Danbury since the second grade, grew up in a low-income household, and today is trying to give back to the community that gave my family so much, I know I can tell the story of the lives of everyday Danburians. I’ll be an advocate for our seniors and veterans, for our public schools, for small business owners, and for working families like my own.

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

The rising cost of living and as State Representative, I will work as hard as possible to achieve results for my constituents that make Connecticut a more affordable place to live.

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

I have the experience required to get things done as I have in my current position. I know the issues that impact us because I live here too and I’ve gone door to door to listen to constituents. I’m not afraid to work with anyone regardless of party affiliation in order to achieve results for my city.

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

I want to work on ensuring that seniors can afford to retire here after living here, raising their families here, volunteering here, and working here. I’m passionate about veterans.

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

I have diligently worked to get roads paved in Danbury. I have been able to increase awareness for adequate funding for our public schools and have fought for increased funding for our Police and Fire departments. Additionally, I worked in a bipartisan fashion to honorary name the Alternative Center of Excellence after Mr. Joe Pepin who so devotedly served the school and its students.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father had a saying, “be humble, be kind, and give back often.” That’s the best advice I’ve ever heard and has made me the community volunteer that I am today.

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

I’m proud of my community service. I’ve volunteered with several non-profits such as the United Way, the Connecticut Food Bank, and Special Olympics. I currently serve as President of the Danbury Police Activities League, President of the Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship, Inc., and am a CCD Instructor/Volunteer Teacher at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. I previously served as Treasurer, Secretary, and Mentor with the Danbury Schools And Business Connection and as a Volunteer Teacher and Community Board Member with Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County.