Candidate Profile: George Logan, 5th Congressional District

MERIDEN, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

George Logan, a former state senator, is running against Democratic incumbent Jahana Hayes, who is seeking a third term in Congress.

The 5th House District race is expected to be the most competitive federal race in Connecticut.

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

Name

George Logan

Campaign website

George Logan For Congress

City or town of residence

Meriden

Office sought

Connecticut's 5th Congressional District

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Degree in Engineering, Trinity College, Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport

Occupation

Director of Community Relations - Aquarion Water Company

Family

Wife Lisa, son Hunter 23, and daughter Tracey 20

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

53

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, State Senator D-17

Why are you seeking this office?

One Party rule in Connecticut and Washington has led to record high inflation and energy costs, an increase in crime, a historic crisis at our southern border, which in turn has led to a fentanyl crisis, worsening test scores for our students, and a foreign affairs disaster. I'm running to be a check on the Biden Administration by helping lower costs for families and businesses, supporting our law enforcement, securing our border, and advocating for school choice.

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

My opponent has voted 100% in line with Nancy Pelosi and 99% in line with Joe Biden. That's not representative of the 5th District. She is a rubber stamp to every bad bill that has had a direct impact on inflation. I have a proven track record as a former State Senator on working across the aisle to provide the best outcome for my constituents. I am also accessible. My opponent is only in the district regularly during election season. I've heard that from Republicans and Democrats. I have a track record of being there for my constituents and getting out in the community. I even hand out my personal cell when I meet people on the campaign trail.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The current incumbent touts the money that's come into the district from the excessive spending packages passed under the Biden Administration. However, what has that money done for you? Our schools are at near crisis levels in reading and math, and worse off than they were when she took office; notably in urban areas like Waterbury, Danbury, New Britain, and Meriden. Our southern border is in crisis, which has led to a severe fentanyl outbreak in our communities. My opponent is silent on that. The cost of groceries, school supplies, energy, housing, and everyday goods and services has skyrocketed under her leadership. But she still claims all is well, even stating, "Democrats single handedly saved the economy." That's not leadership, and that's certainly not based in common sense. She wants you to believe what she says, not what you see and feel.

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

Education and the opioid epidemic are two areas that I believe I can take the lead on. I am a firm believer in school choice, and ensuring that families aren't bound to a school that may not fit their needs just because of where they live. We should be focusing on math, reading, science, and the arts. I also believe we need to put more emphasis on the trades and manufacturing. There is a shortage of young, skilled workers in the trades and manufacturing industry. These are jobs that offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and the opportunity to grow in their role. The opioid epidemic is being largely driven by fentanyl. The vast majority of fentanyl is shipped from China to Mexico, or produced in Mexico, and then smuggled across the southern border. Our children and young adults are overdosing at alarming rates. We need to secure our border first and foremost.

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

I am living proof that the American Dream is possible. I grew up in inner city New Haven as the son of Guatemalan immigrants. My parents stressed education, hard work, and respect. I have served on numerous boards and commissions in my adult life in order to give back to the community that provided so much to me. As a former State Senator, I worked hard to help pass a bi-partisan state budget, which implemented a volatility cap, spending cap, and bonding cap. In return, the state now has an ample rainy day fund. I also worked hard to provide necessary funding for combating the opioid epidemic on the state level. I've done it before, and I will do it again. I have a proven track record.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My parents always stressed the importance of education, hard work, and getting involved in our community. I have done that throughout my life and have always instilled those values in my children. I am a people person and will work relentlessly for the best outcome for those I serve.

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

I'm the lead guitarist in a Jimi Hendrix cover band and have played at dozens of venues throughout Connecticut. Music is my passion and I always find time to fit it in, even if it's after a long 10-hour day on the campaign trail! My positions are in line with the majority of voters in the 5th District. We need common sense leadership in Washington that will deliver lower costs for families and businesses, support our law enforcement, improve our education system, address the opioid epidemic, and keep the Biden Administration in check. I will be a voice for every constituent, regardless of party, when I go to Washington.