Candidate Profile: Paul Cicarella, 34th State Senate District

NORTH HAVEN, 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.

Paul Cicarella, 43, of North Haven, is running for re-election to the 34th state senate district, representing Durham, East Haven, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford.

Party:

Republican/Independent Party

Campaign website:

https://paulchic.com

Occupation:

Business Owner

Family:

wife, Christy; two children, Giada and Paul. Mother and father live in the district

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader, first elected in 2020, represents Connecticut’s 34th State Senate District

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m seeking reelection in 2026 because my work representing the people of the 34th District is not finished. Over the past six years, I’ve worked to address the challenges facing Connecticut, but there is still more to do. I’m running because I see our state heading in the wrong direction, and I believe we need leaders willing to step up, work together, and find solutions.

I’ve worked to advance common-sense solutions, protect public safety, support veterans and seniors, and expand opportunities for the next generation. I believe leadership means listening, working across party lines, and standing up for the needs of our communities.

Too often, politics seems more focused on political fights and partisan arguments than on people and the problems they face. That’s not what I’m about. I’m about putting people first, solving problems, and delivering results. My record reflects that commitment, and I believe it’s more important than ever to have honest leaders who are willing to work across the aisle to get things done.

If reelected, I will continue to focus on:

Making Connecticut more affordable by addressing high electricity costs, healthcare costs, taxes, and the financial pressures facing families, seniors, and small businesses.

Protecting public safety by supporting law enforcement, strengthening recruitment and retention, and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Strengthening Connecticut’s economy by promoting job creation, workforce development, and a better business climate.

Protecting local control by ensuring decisions reflect the needs of our communities, not one-size-fits-all mandates from Hartford.

Delivering funding for our schools and fighting for a fairer education funding system. Advancing policies that support our seniors and veterans.

Above all, I will continue to listen to residents, respond to their concerns, help constituents navigate state agencies, and work to resolve problems that affect their everyday lives.

Our state needs leaders who will lead, not simply fight and argue. Our children are watching; and we owe them a better example, one that demonstrates how to work together, find common ground, and make a difference.

My commitment remains the same: put people over politics, work across party lines, provide responsive constituent service, and deliver results for the people of the 34th District. There is more work to do, and I’m asking for the opportunity to continue doing it.

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

Affordability

Families, seniors, and small businesses are struggling with the rising cost of living, including high taxes, electricity bills, housing costs, and everyday expenses.

Over the past six years, I’ve worked to address these challenges. We need to take a hard look at state spending, eliminate waste, address property tax burdens, improve education funding, provide tax relief, reduce energy costs, and make Connecticut a place where families can afford to live and work.

I also believe we need a more practical, bipartisan approach in Hartford. Politics should be about people, not party agendas. I will continue working across the aisle, holding state government accountable, and fighting for common-sense solutions that improve the quality of life for the people of our district and all of Connecticut.

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

Connecticut families and businesses are paying too much for electricity, and we need action to bring those costs down. I have advocated for and advanced three specific solutions: eliminate the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills, cap long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to prevent ratepayers from being locked into contracts at prices substantially above market rates, and return all proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) directly to ratepayers through electricity-bill relief.

I will continue fighting to eliminate unnecessary costs, increase transparency and accountability, strengthen oversight of utility companies, and expand access to reliable, affordable energy. Wallingford’s municipally owned electric division provides a valuable local example of delivering reliable, competitively priced electricity. We should learn from successful models like Wallingford and pursue reforms that put Connecticut families and businesses first.

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

We need to stop talking about affordability and start delivering relief. I have supported legislation to eliminate the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills, eliminate unnecessary government spending, and provide relief at the gas pump. We must also make Connecticut more affordable for small businesses and seniors living on fixed incomes. My focus is simple: keep more money in people’s pockets, control state spending, and make Connecticut a place where families can afford to live, work, and retire.

I recently supported:

* Income tax reductions

* Eliminating the Highway Use Tax

* Eliminating Sales Tax on Meals sold at Grocery Stores

* Implementing a Gas Tax Holiday

* Implementing Association Health Plans in order to reduce insurance premiums by 15% to 30%

* Eliminating the Public Benefits Charge on electricity bills

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

Before serving in the state Senate, I worked in law enforcement and built a small business with my wife. As a father, I have seen firsthand the struggles, challenges, and excitement our children experience as they learn and grow. Those experiences shape my approach to public service.

I’m particularly proud of shepherding bipartisan legislation to streamline apprenticeship ratio relief, allowing businesses to hire and train more skilled tradespeople. This legislation will enable more people to obtain a well paying career for future prosperity. I worked with union and nonunion representatives, employers and state officials to find common ground and get it done. I’ve also worked to strengthen public safety, notably bipartisan legislation to prevent dangerous street takeovers. I secured needed funding for our schools and communities. I believe results, not political rhetoric, matter most.

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

Public service is about showing up, listening and doing what’s right for the people you represent. This continues to be my approach as your state senator. Whether I’m at the Capitol, visiting a local business, or knocking on doors, I want to hear directly from residents about the issues affecting their lives. My priorities remain making Connecticut more affordable, supporting law enforcement and first responders, protecting our communities, and standing up for taxpayers. I don’t believe government has all the answers. I believe in common sense, personal responsibility, and working with people to get things done.

We need proven leadership, results, and an independent voice that puts people over politics and stands up for our district.

See also: Candidate Profile: Brandi Mandato, 34th State Senate District