CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Litke For State Representative

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3, 2026, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

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Candidate's Name:

Jeff Litke

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

45

District:

70

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://JeffLitkeCT.com

Occupation:

Sr. Human Resources Generalist

Family:

Husband, Andrew Cosenza

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No.

Previous public office:

Naugatuck Board of Education (Nov. 2017 - Present), Naugatuck Inland Wetlands Commission (Oct. 2016 - Nov. 2017), Naugatuck Zoning Commission (Mar. 2007 - Sept. 2009).

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for State Representative because I believe the residents of the 70th District deserve a strong, experienced voice in Hartford. I have spent my life in Naugatuck. This is the community where I grew up and went to school. I have devoted much time to serving my community on various boards and commissions, giving back to the community that raised me. I am running because I want to listen to the residents, understand the issues that affect their families and neighborhoods and make sure our community's priorities are represented in Hartford.

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

Affordability. This is the number one issue facing the residents of Connecticut and Naugatuck. This is what I hear every time I am out knocking on doors and speaking with voters. There are so many factors that contribute to rising prices, but every little action can help. We need to look at property tax reform, making housing more affordable, addressing long-term solutions for energy costs, expanding access to childcare so that parents are able to work and not worrying about the cost of childcare. We can also work to grow our local economies so there is job availability and good paying jobs. Collectively we need to work together to address these issues to start to bring costs down.

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

Energy prices are crippling Connecticut families. We need to look for common sense ways to help reduce these costs. This can include promoting renewable energy sources, looking into how rate increases are approved and what costs the utility companies pass on to consumers. There are various fees and charges on our utility bills that we can look at and what their purpose is and if it is still sustainable to have those charges on our bills.

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

Connecticut residents are struggling with rising costs and prices. As I stated in a previous question, we need to work together to reduce the costs of childcare, healthcare, gas and oil prices, utility costs and property taxes, just to name a few things. In order to address the issue of affordability we really need to do a deep dive into what is really driving up the costs and fix those issues. For example, if property taxes keep rising in a community, we should really look into grown that community's tax base.

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

I have a history of service to my community. I currently serve on the Naugatuck Board of Education and in that capacity I have put in the effort to work across party lines to provide the best education possible for our students. I have support expanding programs for our students such as dual enrollment courses or more specialized classes that focus on things such as the fire service or construction. I am proud of what we have been able to provide for our students. I have helped to create a relationship between the Board of Education and the Town that is collaborative, where we can all work together for Naugatuck students.

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

Anyone that knows me can tell you that I am accessible and easy to talk to. If you have an issue or concern, please reach out to me, whether you just want to vent or you have a question about where I stand on an issue.