CT Patch Candidate Profile: Nicole Klarides-Ditria For State Representative

DERBY, 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:

Nicole Klarides-Ditria

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

57

District:

105th seymour beacon falls , derby

Party:

Republican

Occupation:

Athletic Trainer and small business owner (Klarides Village).

Family:

Husband-Steven, son-Cade, sister-Themis, cats-Celtic and Zoi.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

My sister Themis was the State Rep for 114th for 22 years and was Minority Leader.

Previous public office:

Deputy First Selectman-Seymour, Board of Finance-Seymour.

Why are you seeking this office?

Because serving the people of Seymour beacon falls in Derby is the most meaningful work I've done. This district is my home, I graduated from Seymour High School, served as deputy first selectman and on the Board of Finance, Co-own a small business in town with my sister and cousins, and I have worked for 26 years as a licensed athletic trainer at Lauralton Hall High School. I understand the pressures families, seniors, and small businesses face because I live them too. As ranking member of the Public Health Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, I work across the aisle to find common ground, because good ideas don't belong to one party. My priorities are protecting access to quality healthcare, pushing for responsible spending and tax relief, and making sure state dollars come back to our towns. Just as important is the everyday work of helping constituents come from road safety on Route 8 to connecting families with resources they need. I'd be honored to keep working for our community.

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

The number one issue facing Connecticut is affordability. Families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses are being squeezed by some of the highest energy costs in the country, rising property taxes, and an overall cost of living that is pushing people to leave our state. I plan to address it by focusing on relief people can actually feel. That means pushing to lower electric bills by moving the public benefit charge off ratepayers' bills and expanding reliable energy supply, holding the line on state spending so the burden doesn't keep shifting to our taxpayers, and making sure our towns receive their fair share of state aid so local property taxes stay in check. I'll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle because making Connecticut affordable isn't a partisan goal. It's what every resident of our district is looking for.

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

Connecticut families and businesses pay some of the highest electric rates in the United States, and it's hurting everyone from seniors on fixed incomes to the small businesses on our main streets. I hear about it from constituents every single week. My plans focus on three areas. First, finish the job of permanently removing the public the public benefits charge from electric bills, so state mandated programs aren't hidden in what people pay each month. Second, increase reliable, affordable supply. New England doesn't have enough pipeline capacity to meet demand in the winter, which drives prices up, and we should support expanding natural gas capacity while keeping nuclear power like Millstone as a stable part of our mix. Third, push for accountability from utilities, with strong oversight of rate increases and transparency about where ratepayers' money goes. None of this can be solved by one party alone and I'll keep working with anyone willing to make energy more affordable for Connecticut.

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

Affordability touches every part of daily life in Connecticut, from groceries and utility bills to rent, property taxes, and healthcare. Too many young families can't afford to stay, and too many seniors worry about whether they can keep their homes. I plan to address on several fronts. On taxes and spending, I'll keep supporting the state's fiscal guardrails and push for tax relief that working families and retirees actually feel, rather than growing the state budget. Housing, I support expanding options that people can afford, while respecting the right of our towns to make local decisions. On healthcare as ranking member of the Public Health Committee, I'll keep working to lower prescription drug costs and protect access to care in our communities. These are kitchen table issues, not partisan ones, and I'll keep working with colleagues on both side of the aisle to make Connecticut the place people can afford to live.

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

I believe experience matters. Before going to Hartford, I served as deputy first Selectman of Seymour and on the Board of Finance, where I learned how state decisions affect local budgets and taxpayers. Since 2016, I've represented Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby, and today I serve as ranking member of the Public Health Committee and on the finance Committee. I'm proud of legislation I've helped pass, including stronger penalties for dealing fentanyl, to protect our communities from the opioid crisis. A law encouraging minors to call 911 when a friend is in danger from drugs or alcohol, without fear of getting in trouble. Requiring AED's in schools, drawing on my 26 years as an athletic trainer. Helping police and firefighters suffering from PTSD get the care they deserve and expanding that support to EMS. Strengthening registration and oversight of animal shelters, and banning greyhound racing. Helping pass the 2017 budget through both chambers with bipartisan support. Just as important is the work that doesn't make the headlines helping constituents navigate state agencies, advocating for Route 8 safety, and connecting families with resources. As a small business co-owner and lifelong resident, I understand the challenges people here face because I live them too.

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

My grandparents came to this country from Greece with very little except hope and a strong work ethic, and those values help shape my family and me. My father served in the Army Reserve, and my uncle served in World War II and Vietnam, so I grew up understanding what it means to give back to the country and community that has given so much to us. I'm a graduate of Senior High School, and a licensed athletic trainer at Lauralton Hall High School for 26 years, and Co-owner of of Klarides Village Shopping Plaza a small business with my sister and cousins. I'm also proud animal welfare advocate and Co-chair of the Connecticut Animal Welfare Caucus. Above all, I want voters to know that my door is always open. Whether you agree with me or not, I'll listen, I'll answer your calls, and I'll work hard for you. It has been an honor to represent Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby, and I'd be grateful for your vote to continue that work.