Candidate Profile: John-Paul Dorais, 17th State Senate District

BEACON FALLS, 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.

John-Paul Dorais, 38, of Beacon Falls, is running for election to the 17th state senate district, representing parts of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge.

Party:

Endorsed by Republican and Independent Party

Campaign website:

https://www.doraisforstatesenate.com/

Occupation:

Police Officer / Small Business Owner

Family:

Husband and Father to three children

Does anyone in your family work in government?

no

Previous public office:

I have served my community through local government on the Beacon Falls Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. This role gave me firsthand experience with municipal decision-making, responsible development and the importance of preserving local control. I saw firsthand how decisions made at the local level directly affect families, businesses and the future of our communities.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running because I believe Connecticut can do better for working families, small businesses and our communities. As a husband and father of three, I want my children to grow up in a state where families can afford to live, businesses can succeed, people feel safe and young people have opportunities to build their futures here.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a police detective, small business owner, husband, father and neighbor. I’m running to bring that perspective to Hartford and focus on practical solutions rather than partisan politics. I want to bring the experience I’ve gained in law enforcement, local government and our communities to the State Senate and work to make Connecticut more affordable, safe and competitive.

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

Affordability is the biggest issue facing Connecticut. Families are dealing with high housing costs, property taxes, energy bills, groceries, healthcare and transportation costs, while small businesses face many of the same pressures.

We need to take a serious look at the cost of government and make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. I would support meaningful tax relief, efforts to control property-tax growth, reducing unnecessary regulations and fees, and policies that make Connecticut more competitive for businesses and working families.

We also need to address the underlying costs instead of relying on temporary relief. Connecticut needs a long-term strategy that allows people to keep more of what they earn and gives families and businesses a reason to stay and grow here.

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

Connecticut families should not have to dread opening their electric bills. Our energy costs remain a major concern for families and small businesses, and we need to take a hard look at why so many costs are being placed on ratepayers.

As your state senator, I would support reducing unnecessary costs and mandates on electric bills and bringing greater transparency and accountability to the charges customers are required to pay. I support reviewing programs currently funded through electric bills and determining which legitimate state programs should instead go through the normal state budget process, where lawmakers have to openly debate and vote on those costs.

I also support reasonable limits on costly power-purchase agreements and requiring legislative approval before PURA creates new programs that increase costs for ratepayers. Decisions that directly affect every family’s monthly budget deserve public input and accountability.

At the same time, Connecticut needs an energy policy focused on reliability and affordability. That means maintaining a diverse and reliable energy supply, investing in our electric grid, encouraging competition and making sure new energy policies are evaluated based on what they will actually cost Connecticut families and businesses.

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

Affordability needs to be addressed from several angles. We cannot tell families to simply budget better when the cost of nearly everything from housing and groceries to electricity, insurance and taxes continues to put pressure on household budgets.

I would work to reduce the overall tax burden, control property-tax growth, lower energy costs and reduce unnecessary regulations and fees that make it more expensive to live and do business here.

We also need to expand opportunities for skilled trades and apprenticeships so young people have pathways to good-paying careers without assuming a four-year college degree is the only option. As a small business owner, I understand how important it is for employers to have access to a strong workforce and for people to have opportunities to build a good life here.

When Connecticut is more affordable and competitive, businesses can grow, good-paying jobs are created, and families have more opportunities to build their futures here.

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

The experience I would point to most is my 14 years in law enforcement. As a police detective, I’ve learned how to make difficult decisions, manage complex situations, work with people from all different backgrounds and remain focused on facts, accountability and results.

I’ve also gained valuable experience as a small business owner and through my service on the Beacon Falls Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Those roles have given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing employers and municipalities and the importance of responsible decision-making.

Together, those experiences have taught me how to listen, evaluate a problem, work with others and take responsibility for the decisions I make. Those are the same principles I would bring to the State Senate.

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

I want voters to know that I’m running because I believe government should work for the people it represents. That means making Connecticut more affordable, keeping our communities safe, protecting local decision-making and creating opportunities for families, workers and small businesses to succeed.

I believe we need to be responsible with taxpayer dollars, hold government accountable and make decisions based on what is best for the people and communities we represent.

I also believe decisions that directly affect our towns should include the people who live there. My experience in local government has shown me the value of local voices and the importance of giving municipalities the ability to make decisions based on the needs of their communities.

Outside of my career, I’ve always believed in giving back to the communities I call home. I’ve coached youth sports in Ansonia and Beacon Falls, and some of the most rewarding moments have come from working with young people by watching them build confidence, learn how to work as a team and understand the value of commitment and perseverance. Being a coach is about more than teaching a sport; it’s about being someone kids can look up to and helping them become good teammates and good people.

As a husband and father of three, these issues are personal to me. I want my children to grow up in a state where families can afford to live, people feel safe, businesses can succeed and young people have opportunities to build a future.

I’m not running to be a career politician. I’m running to bring my experience as a police detective, small business owner, coach and community member to Hartford, work with people on both sides of the aisle and focus on practical solutions for the people of the 17th District.

See also: Candidate Profile: Jorge Cabrera, 17th State Senate District