CT Patch Candidate Profile: Mary Welander 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.

Candidate's Name:

Mary Welander

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

48

District:

114

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://welanderforct.com

Occupation:

State Representative

Family:

Married with 3 children.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No.

Previous public office:

Orange Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for re-election because I love this job, the work, and the people. I have been able to create transformative policies for my district and the state but know that there is more work to do to ensure that everyday families like mine can afford to live and succeed here.

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

The number one issue in Connecticut is affordability across the board. Groceries, all kinds of fuels, health insurance (really all types of insurance), property taxes, utilities, costs of education (both K-12 and higher education programs), just to name a few. It's all gotten more expensive while our salaries don't keep up with those rising costs. My family feels the same pinch every day.

Some things I can't control, like the cost of groceries, but I have supported our Attorney General Tong in his efforts against large food companies to prevent intentional price gouging. Some issues, like property taxes are local governing issues, but I have reduced the financial burden on the towns in my district by delivering funding for other projects or infrastructure needs, something I have done consistently, including more money for education every year.

As for insurance, we need to create easier access for small businesses and non-profits to our existing state offered plans. If the market has more options that are actually affordable to larger groups of people, then private industry will have to pivot. We don’t need to make an already complicated system more complicated by creating new plans when we can reduce costs for so many by working within what we already have.

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

Some of our energy costs are set by international activity, such as the cost of oil which is skyrocketing because of actions done by the federal administration; that is something a state representative cannot control. What I will do is look at all of the charges that are included in the public benefits charge and see what may not be worth the cost to the state. The programs included (like rebates for green energy options for residents, such as solar) should be able to demonstrate whether they have been utilized and should be continued or not.

I would also like to examine the process of state purchased power agreements that are attached to some energy generating projects (such as Millstone nuclear or offshore wind). In the past we have purchased power from these in fixed rates for long-term agreements; in 2025 we allowed for up to 20% of those costs to be adjusted for current market prices but I think we should look at the ability to renegotiate a larger percentage and the possibility of saving residents more money.

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

I don’t make promises I can’t keep, or broad general statements that I can’t deliver on. Some things I can't control, like the cost of groceries, but I have supported our Attorney General Tong in his efforts against large food companies to prevent intentional price gouging. Some issues, like property taxes are local governing issues, but I have reduced the financial burden on the towns in my district by delivering funding for other projects or infrastructure needs, something I have done consistently, including more money for education every year.

As for insurance, we need to create easier access for small businesses and non-profits to our existing state offered plans. If the market has more options that are actually affordable to larger groups of people, then private industry will have to pivot. We don’t need to make an already complicated system more complicated by creating new plans when we can reduce costs for so many by working within what we already have.

I know affordability on every level is a major issue and I will do whatever I can to reduce the costs for all residents, but especially families and seniors, while still maintaining the level of support that taxpayers in CT deserve.

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

In the three terms I have served, I have been in leadership from the beginning and part of some incredibly transformative legislation - something that most legislators cannot say even at the end of their careers.

I was appointed immediately into a leadership role as Vice Chair of the Committee on Children in my first term where I helped create the most comprehensive children’s mental health legislation in the country. I was named a Chair in my second term (Internship Committee), and in my last term was named House Democratic Leader of the Regulation Review Committee (a wonky but powerful committee), returned as Vice Chair of the Children’s Committee, and currently serve as the Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, where I have helped lead efforts to create the Early Childhood Education Endowment which will reduce the cost of childcare for thousands of families across the state.

I have partnered with our federal delegation and the Governor’s office to bring tens of millions of dollars back to the district for community projects like the Woodbridge and Orange Senior Centers, the Sterling Opera House in Derby, and a new playground in Orange, infrastructure improvements such as $12M for the Derby-Shelton Train Station and comprehensive upgrades to the Waterbury Branch train line, and supported our first responders with funding for a new fire station in Hamden. I’ve advocated and won fights to maintain and increase the levels of education funding for our schools, and personally written legislation that supports families and protects our kids.

I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish but I know there is more that my district needs and I am ready to do the work.

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

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this district and the people in it. The 114th is a wildly diverse district and I am thankful that I have been able to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in a respectful and balanced way to support my communities. To be known as a pragmatic, responsible, and caring representative is something that I am incredibly proud of. To have earned the respect of people I serve, especially those who don’t agree with me, is not something I take lightly. I hope I have earned your vote for re-election and the opportunity to continue to do this work.