Candidate Profile: Karen Martin, 99th State House District

EAST HAVEN, CT — The 2026 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 Connecticut gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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.

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

Karen Martin is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 99th District.

Candidate's Name:

Karen Martin

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

67

District:

99

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://www.karenmartinforstaterep.com

Occupation:

Radiologic Technologist (Retired)

Family:

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

I was appointed to be a member of and later became chair of the East Haven Zoning Board of Appeals, now elected to my 3rd term on the East Haven Town Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking the office of State Representative because I care deeply and feel most fulfilled when I am able to make a meaningful difference for our residents. I have learned so much from my five years serving on the East Haven Town Council, I've seen how much it matters to listen and help people solve problems.

I know we need a person at the table who will fight for our kids, our families, our veterans and our seniors. I will be that person. East Haven deserves our fair share! I am ready to work for lower costs, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and our fair share of state funding.

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

I think the biggest issue is how expensive everyday life has become. People are working hard, but after paying for housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare, there often isn't much left. I worry about people having to leave a town they love because they can't afford to stay. I worry about seniors being taxed out of the homes they spent their lives in, raising their families.

I don't think there is one easy fix. I want to work on lowering healthcare and energy costs, creating more affordable housing options, and getting more state funding for our schools so homeowners aren't carrying so much of the cost through property taxes.

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

I know how painful it is to open an electric bill and wonder why it's so expensive. I have solar panels on my home, and that helps, but that is not an option for everyone.

I would push for closer scrutiny of utility rates and spending, and expand access to energy efficiency programs for individual homes.

I also want to explore ways for towns to produce or purchase power together. I believe neighboring towns should work together to produce and share electricity locally. A regional approach could help communities control costs and give residents more say on where their power comes from limiting, the control of the monopoly utility companies now have.

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

I understand how difficult it is to just keep up during this "affordability" crisis we are living through now. That's why my priorities will be stronger oversight of utility companies, support for locally produced electricity shared across neighboring communities and more affordable housing options. I also believe we must find a way to reform taxes to help ease the burden on property taxpayers.

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

I would point to my years on the East Haven Town Council, where I've worked on budgets, weighed difficult decisions and listened to residents' concerns. Serving as chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals taught me to consider different viewpoints and apply rules fairly.

As a founding member of the Momauguin-Cosey Beach Neighborhoods Group, I helped advocate for beach parking changes and efforts to reduce blight. Those experiences showed me how neighbors working together can really improve their community.

My over 40 years in healthcare, in both the clinical setting and the research setting as a Radiologic Technologist required sound judgement, teamwork and accountability. I would bring that same care and responsibility to representing East Haven in Hartford.

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

East Haven has been part of my family's story since 1928, and I've owned my home here since 1990. My neighbor's concerns are personal to me because this is my home too.

I believe in supporting public safety, protecting reproductive freedom, supporting working people, strengthening our public schools and making sure development respects our neighborhoods and environment. I'll listen, be honest about what I can accomplish, and explain my decisions - even when we disagree. We don't have to agree on every issue to have your concerns taken seriously.