CT Patch Candidate Profile: Tricia Ciccone For State Representative

NORWALK, 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.

Candidate's Name:

Tricia Ciccone

What office are you seeking?

State Representative - 137th District Norwalk

Age:

55

District:

137th

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://www.triciacicconeforstaterep.org/

Occupation:

Director of Elementary School Based Programs.

Family:

I am a proud mother of 3 children: Christopher who works in Property Management in Miami, Olivia, a Pediatric Nurse in Boston and Ava, a junior at the University of Miami.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No.

Previous public office:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

Norwalk is more than where I live. It’s where I’ve built my life, raised my family, volunteered in our community and worked alongside so many of you to make our city stronger.

I’m running for State Representative because I care deeply about the future of Norwalk and believe our community deserves a strong voice in Hartford; someone who will listen to residents, ask the tough questions and fight for practical solutions that make a real difference.

Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Seniors are worried about affordability. Parents want confidence that our schools are preparing students for success and taxpayers want accountability and transparency from their government.

I believe we need a representative who will stand up for taxpayers, fight for fair education funding, support public safety and protect local control over decisions that affect our neighborhoods. Too often, decisions are made in Hartford without enough input from the people who live here.

I’m running because I believe government should work for the people it represents. Regardless of political affiliation, we all want safe neighborhoods, strong schools, affordable communities and a government that listens.

I want to bring a practical, community-first approach to Hartford, stand up for Norwalk’s interests and help make Norwalk and Connecticut a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

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

In one word - Affordability. Connecticut is becoming increasingly difficult for families, seniors and working residents to afford. From property taxes and electricity bills to housing, groceries and just the everday expenses. Connecticut residents are feeling this financial strain.

We cannot continue to ask taxpayers to pay more without taking a serious look at how their money is being spent. I believe we need greater financial accountability, a line by line review of the state budget and a commitment to eliminating duplicative services and programs that are not delivering measurable results.

We need to continue to address the rising cost of utilities. Borrowing money to provide temporary relief though April 2027 may help residents in the short term but does not solve the underlying problem. We need to truly look at the public benefit and determine which costs are necessary, which can be reduced or eliminated and which should be funded differently.

We need to provide meaningful tax relief and ensure that state policies do not place any additional burdens on our municipalities.

Finally, we need to reform the Education Cost Sharing Formula (ECS). Norwalk has been shortchanged for so long, leaving our residents to shoulder more of the burden of funding our schools.

Connecticut residents deserve a government that is accountable for every taxpayer dollar it spends.

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

My first priority would be a thorough review of the Public Benefits Charge. We need to examine every program funded with this charge and determine which programs are delivering measurable results and then identify costs that should reduced or eliminated. We should help our most vulnerable residents but we must also ensure that every dollar collected is being spent responsibly.

The recent decision to use borrowed funds to provide temporary relief may be helpful in the short term but borrowing should never be a permanent solution. We need to address the underlying costs rather than simply shifting the financial burden into the future.

I would also advocate for stronger oversight and transparency over PURA. We must ensure that utility companies justify their costs and that our residents are protected from unnecessary rate increases.

Finally, we need a balanced, reliable and affordable energy strategy that truly considers multiple sources of energy, strengthens our infrastructure and priortizes long term savings for consumers.

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

Affordability is not just a talking point; it is something that our residents struggle with every day. Families are finding it harder to make ends meet. Seniors are worried about remaining in their homes and young people are questioning whether they can truly afford to build their lives here.

We need to begin with fiscal responsibility. I would advocate for a line by line review of our state budget to identify duplicative services, unnecessary admin costs and a review of programs that are not delivering measurable results. Before we ask taxpayers for more money, we need to ensure that the state is spending their money wisely.

I would also work towards meaningful tax relief, particularly for middle class families and seniors on fixed incomes. We need to examine state mandates that increase costs to municipalities because those expenses are often passed to residents through property taxes.

Housing affordability must also be part of the equation. We need to encourage opportunities for home ownership and at the same time respect local decision making and ensure that it is supported by adequate infrastructure.

Finally, we must reform the Education Cost Sharing Formula (ECS). Norwalk has struggled with inadequate funding for years, which places an additional burden on our taxpayers. A fairer formula would help Norwalk and all municipalites meet their educational responsibilities without continuing to shift this burden onto taxpayers.

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

Throughout my professional career and community involvement, I have developed leadership, financial management and problem solving skills necessary to serve effectively in the Connecticut General Assembly.

As the Director of Elementary School Based Programs for The Carver, I oversee 13 schools sites and 24 programs, manage significant operating budgets and supervise staff. Under my leadership, we have expanded programs to serve more children and familes while maintaining a strong focus on fiscal responsibilty, accountability and quality programming. I have also worked to ensure that financial assistance is available to families in need, helping to make our programs more accessible and affordable.

Beyond my professional experience, I serve on the boards of several local organizations and remain actively involved in the Norwalk Community. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of our community and the importance of listening to different perspectives.

I believe that leadership is more than identifying problems. It is about finding solutions, making responsible decisions and delivering results. This is the experience that I will bring to Hartford.

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

I believe public service is about listening, being accessible and putting the needs of the people you represent first. Throughout my career and community involvement, I have worked with different backgrounds and perspectives and I understand that we will not always agree but we should always be willing to listen to eachother.

I believe in fiscal responsibility, strong public schools, supporting our first responders, protecting local control and ensuring that Norwalk and all of Connecticut remain a place where families can afford to live and thrive.

I also believe that good ideas do not belong in any one political party. I am willing to work with anyone who shares a commitment to finding practical solutions that benefit our community.

Most importantly, I care deeply about Norwalk. This is my community and I believe its residents deserve a representative who will listen and be willing to ask the difficult questions.

I have always believed that service to others is one of the most meaningful things we can do. In June 2025, I had the privilege of becoming a living kidney donor to my best friend. That experience reinforced something I have always believed, when you have the ability to make a difference in someone's life, you should!

I bring that same sense of compassion, commitment and responsiblity to my community involvement and approach to public service. I believe that leadership is about showing up, listening and being willing to do what is right even when it is not easy.

Whether someone agrees with me on every issue or not, I will always respect their perspective and take their concerns seriously. My commitment is to represent all residents of the 137th District - Democrats, Republicans, Independents, unaffiliated voters and everyone that calls Norwalk home.