CT Patch Candidate Profile: Joe Lauretti For State Representative

SHELTON, 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:

Joe Lauretti

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

31

District:

113

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://www.joelauretti.com/

Occupation:

Materials Planner

Family:

My wife, Emily, and our 3 year old daughter, Lucy.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

Yes, my father is the Mayor of Shelton.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm seeking this office because Shelton is my home, and I want to ensure Shelton remains a place where families and businesses can thrive. As a lifelong resident raising my daughter in the same neighborhood I grew up in, I am invested in our community and committed to supporting its future. I also feel the same affordability pressures that many residents of all ages are facing, and I'm running to bring a disciplined, common-sense approach to Hartford to help ease those burdens.

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

Affordability is the number one issue facing Connecticut. We rank among the highest in the nation for cost of living and energy costs, and families across every age group are feeling that pressure. I plan to address this by advancing policies that ease everyday expenses – including eliminating the tax on tips, ending the tax on Social Security Income, reducing the gas tax, and cutting state spending to bring long-term relief. My focus is on making Connecticut a place where residents can afford to live, work, and retire.

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

Energy costs in Connecticut are simply too high, and residents deserve immediate relief. I believe we need a practical, balanced approach that provides relief now while setting us up for a more affordable future. That includes reforming the Public Benefits Charge to ensure ratepayers aren't funding programs that don't deliver results, expanding access to natural gas to lower costs, and promoting energy-efficient and renewable options that reduce demand over time. My goal is to make our energy system more affordable, reliable, and sustainable for everyone.

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

Affordability is one of the most significant challenges facing Connecticut, and we need practical steps that make a real difference. I support eliminating the tax on tips, reducing the gas tax, ending the income tax on Social Security benefits, and pushing for lower electric rates. These changes are straightforward ways to put money back where it belongs: with the people who earned it.

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

In my work in the aerospace and defense industry, I've had to earn trust by delivering results under pressure and working closely with teams to solve complex problems. Building strong working relationships, communicating clearly, and staying focused on outcomes are all skills I rely on every day – and they're the same qualities I'd bring to this job.

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

I'm committed to working for everyone, no matter their affiliation, and my goal is to make Connecticut more affordable and more responsive to the people that live here. My focus is on practical, disciplined solutions that ease everyday pressures and strengthen our communities. I want to ensure this is a place where residents can build their futures with confidence.