Patch Candidate Profile: Christopher Green, 21st State Senate District

MONROE, CT — 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, plus one U.S. Senate seat, 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.

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

Christopher Green, a Stratford resident, is running for state senator in the 21st District. He is challenging six-term incumbent Republican Kevin Kelly, the state Senate minority leader.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat and Working Families

Education: BA, Harvard University

Occupation: Currently: Operational Consultant in Educational Enrichment, Previously: Principal and Regional Manager of After School Math Program (10 years), Middle School Math Teacher (3 years).

Family: My wife Amanda is a teacher. My daughter Francesca, born this year.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I am a member of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee and Stratford's Greenway Committee.

Age: 36

Why are you seeking this office?

State and local government matter more than ever. I am hard working, capable, and want to continue to move Connecticut forward.

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

Affordability is key. I will continue to push for smart budgets that balance tax cuts that prioritize our middle class families with paying down our pension debt to control costs long term. My opponent wanted more tax cuts now all funded by more debt for later. That is not a path towards sustainable affordability in Connecticut. He also voted against paid family leave. Given how unaffordable things are, more families than ever are on the edge financially. I am glad in Connecticut we are trying to protect our workers and their families when they get hurt, sick, or have children. I will also champion initiatives focused on controlling the costs of healthcare, housing, and education.

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

I am new to politics from a business and educational background and my fresh perspective would be an asset in the State Senate. Having knocked on 8152 doors so far and talked to thousands of residents, many of our voters are tired of partisanship and want common sense solutions. I am not tied to the hyper-partisanship of my opponent who is currently his party's leader in the Senate, and intend to push for accountability, transparency, and for the best solutions to the problems facing our state regardless of party.

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

Connecticut has some of the best schools and the best community college system in the country. We need to continue to prioritize education as a pathway to a more prosperous future, especially bolstering vocational, STEM, and technical training as well as mid career job training to ensure all residents have an affordable path to gain the skills needed for good jobs.

In what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

He voted against the paid leave act and this year's smart budget. He also voted against the Clean Air Act, against safer storage of guns in vehicles, against strengthening our red flag laws, and against banning deceptive advertising in anti-abortion pregnancy centers. He also opposed a public option that would have reduced insurance costs for nonprofits and small businesses and missed a key vote last year on defending a women's right to choose. I will do more to fight for our families and our future.

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

As a regional manager I started and grew two math centers in Connecticut to a team of about 40 staff servicing over 2000 students with a word class education each week. I know how to balance budgets, build teams, and solve problems and am excited to apply those skills towards the betterment of our great state.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard on what you can control, forget the rest.

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

Feel free to email cgreen4senate@gmail.com with any questions. As a candidate and as your State Senator, I will be transparent and responsive.