Moira Rader Launches Exploratory State Representative Campaign

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford Board of Education member, Democrat Moira Rader filed paperwork to explore a campaign for state office, it was announced Wednesday evening in a news release.

She's looking at the state representative seat for the 98th District, which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, it was noted.

“I am thrilled at the possibility to serve Guilford and Branford in the General Assembly,” Rader was quoted as saying. “There is so much potential to create public policy for the common good. I want to see greater strides made on education, energy, climate change, healthcare, economic development, and housing, to name just a few."

Rader added that should she run, she's "committed to being a strong voice and passionate advocate on these issues that critically impact every one of our citizens: adults and children alike.”

Raised in a family of educators, Rader said she's a vocal advocate for education.

Before being elected to the Guilford Board of Education in 2016, she served on the A.W. Cox PTO Advisory Board for several years, taught K-3 religious education at St. George Church in Guilford, and has volunteered with various local non-profit organizations.

In the November 2022 election, she received the highest number of votes on record for re-election to the education board, she said.

“It is an honor to serve on the Board of Education, working to further enrich an already thriving Guilford public school system, which consistently sits among the top school districts statewide,” Rader said. “We only get one chance to educate our children, and they need to be given every opportunity to expand their minds and nurture their mental health and wellness, so they can develop into mature, compassionate and successful adults.”

Serving her second term, Rader said she's "particularly proud" of what the board has accomplished in the last four years — "strengthening the system’s focus on social and emotional wellness, supporting rigorous curriculum that speaks to every student’s potential, and reaffirming a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion."

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that our schools are places of innovation, engagement, inspiration and respect,” Rader said, “and I would bring that commitment to the State Legislature for the benefits of all Connecticut families.”

Rader holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art & Art History from Villanova University and a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture. She has practiced in the fields of architecture and design for over 20 years. She lives in Guilford with her husband, Peter, their four children.

Rader's announcement follows Rep. Sean Scanlon’s announcement of his own exploratory committee for statewide office.