CT Patch Profile: Jayme Stevenson For 4th Congressional District

CONNECTICUT — 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.

The 4th Congressional District race is between longtime Democratic Rep. Jim Himes and former Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. The district primarily covers Fairfield County.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Below are Stevenson's responses:

Campaign website

Party affiliation

Republican & Independent

Education

B.S. Degree, Telecommunication & Business Management

Occupation

Retired, Former First Selectman, Town of Darien 2011-2021

Family

Married to John Stevenson for 35 years, five adult children: Alexandra (32), Samantha (30), Charlett (28), Mckenna (26), John (23), two grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

61

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, Board of Selectman, Town of Darien 2009-2011, First Selectman 2011-2021

Why are you seeking this office?

The 4th Congressional District deserves a hands-on representative in Washington who is an experienced leader who understands how government policies affect our families and businesses. Someone who has a record of building trusted relationships and working across the aisle to solve everyday problems for the people I serve. Americans are faced with multiple crises. 40-year high inflation, a rise in crime and the demoralization of law enforcement, enough fentanyl coming into the U.S. through our open border to kill every American, a war in Europe and emboldened adversaries around the world have created tremendous anguish and uncertainty. It’s time for positive change and a commitment to doing better for America and the 4th Congressional District.

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

Record-high inflation. People and businesses are forced to make very difficult decisions because of the skyrocketing costs of food, gas, home heating oil and insurance and the loss of retirement account value. We need to elect leaders who understand how the economy works and will stop the unchecked spending that is fueling inflation. We need an all-of-the-above energy policy that ignites the vast reserves of fossil fuel here in the U.S. to relieve the high cost of energy while we purse our cleaner energy goals.

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

I am the first and only candidate to run against the incumbent with bipartisan local, regional and statewide leadership experience and a deep knowledge of how government policies affect families and businesses and specific transportation planning/funding experience. It has been 75 years since the only other woman (Claire Booth Luce) served in Congress from the 4th District.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

There is no tangible evidence in the 4th District of the incumbent’s 14 years of Congressional service. People from all across southwest CT believe he is an absentee representative and they know they deserved better. CT sends the most tax dollars to Washington and is dead last in getting money back from the Federal government. Our roads, bridges and culverts are crumbling, HUD-funded housing has fallen into disrepair and the incumbent does not support putting school security in our schools to help keep our children safe.

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

My campaign is focused on government-induced inflation and the high cost of energy and food; immigration reform; the mental health crisis in America, particularly among our youth; rising crime; global unrest and the fentanyl crisis that is now the leading cause of death among people ages 18-45.

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

Earning the trust and support of voters for 6 consecutive elections and serving my community as First Selectman for 10 years is evidence of my effective, bipartisan leadership. Serving in a community with a Representative Town meeting requires consensus building and collaborative policy making. During my tenure as First Selectman, I was also elected by my bipartisan Chief Elected peers to serve as Chairman of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, Chairman of the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency and First Vice-President of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities. As the mother of 5 children, I know how important high quality education, education choice and parental involvement in our children’s education is.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you believe deeply in something, stand up, speak out and be the change you want to see happen.

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

I’m honored to have received nominations from both the Republican and Independent Parties and will appear on two ballot lines this election.