Groton Town Council Announces Candidacy For State Representative

GROTON, CT – Democratic Groton Town Councilor and former State Representative Aundré Bumgardner announced his candidacy for the 41st State House District seat representing Mystic, Stonington, and his hometown of Groton.

“We have a lot of work to do to address the rising cost of living, tackle climate change and support our small businesses while attracting new ones to this beautiful and diverse area that I am proud to have called home my entire life,” Bumgardner said in a statement.

He previously represented the district in the General Assembly from 2015-2017.

Bumgardner said his campaign will be based on “5 Es” - economic recovery, environmental quality, energy affordability, educational excellence, and ethics reform.

“I am prepared and eager to roll up my sleeves and again work to ensure that our vibrant communities across the district feel heard and respected,” he said in a statement. “My campaign will be about meeting folks at their doorsteps, listening to what is on their minds, and earning their confidence and support.”

Bumgardner was the first Black or Latino state legislator to represent Groton, and the youngest person ever to be elected to the state legislature at the age of 20, according to a statement.

During his time at the Capitol, he served on the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, Transportation Committee, and Education Committee.

Re-elected to a third term on the Groton Town Council in 2021, Bumgardner chairs its personnel and appointments committee, and has served as liaison to Southeastern CT Transit Authority, Southeastern CT Resource Recovery Authority, and the Groton Trails Coordinating Task Force.

He has also served on the City of Groton Planning & Zoning Commission since 2017.

The 41st House seat was formerly occupied by Democratic State Representative Joe De La Cruz of Groton, who recently announced he was not seeking re-election.

“I commend Rep. de la Cruz for his dedicated service to our district over the last six years and wish him and his family health and happiness as they enter the next chapter in their lives,” Bumgardner said.