​Candidate Profile: Rick Lopes, 6th Senate District

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 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 over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

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

Incumbent state Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain, is running for another term in the 6th Senate District. He is running against Republican challenger Tremell Collins of New Britain.

The Senate seat serves New Britain, Berlin and a part of Farmington.

Age: 51

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: property manager

Education: BA English University of Connecticut; MA UConn

Previous elected/appointed experience: State Representative 24th House from 2011-2020

Family: wife, three children ages 19,19 and 9; Irish setter, 4

Campaign website: N/A

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

Why are you seeking this office?

To represent and be the voice of people who think they do not have power.

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

Economic stability.

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

I am dedicated to balancing the power disparities between the poor/working class and the wealthy.

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

Need to increase energy efficiency to help the environment.

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

I have been successful in increasing funding for education in lower-income communities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be humble.