CT Patch Candidate Profile: Corey Paris For 145th State House District

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and city.

Corey Paris is running for the 145th State House District, which covers a portion of Stamford.

Candidate's Name:

Corey P. Paris

What office are you seeking?

State Representative, 145th District

Age:

35

District:

145

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://parisforct.com

Occupation:

Nonprofit Executive

Family:

Wife + Dog

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

N/A

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because the work that I've to do in Hartford is still unfinished, and the people of my district and our state deserve someone who will see it through to completion. Since I was first elected in 2021, I have focused on one central question: what does it take for a family in Stamford and in Connecticut to get ahead and stay ahead. That questions led us to make Connecticut the 21st state to require personal finance education for high school graduation, to create a statewide early education portal and endowment, and to advance bipartisan studen loan relief.

As House Chair of the Committee on Children and Vice Chair of Appropriations, I am now positioned to deliver more. We're standing up a child welfare oversight committee and task force on poverty and affordabilty, and those efforts will shape the bills we bring forward next session. I want to be there to continue turning this critical work into law, the way that I have done for the past five years.

Above all, I am running because this district is home. Eradicating povery isn't an abstraction to me; it's the reason I do this work. I'm asking for the opportunity to keep earning the trust of those who have entrusted their vote to me.

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

Without a doubt, it is affordability. Too many families in Stamford and across the state are working hard, sometimes holding more than one job, and still falling behind on rent, childcare, groceries, and student loan repayment. When the cost of simply living outpaces what a family can earn, opportunity becomes a privlege rather than a promise.

My approach is to work across party lines, with legislators, agencies and advocates who are committed to lowering the costs that weigh heaviest on working families. First, childcare: it's one of the largest expenses a young family faces, and I'll keep pushing to expand access and stabilizr the early education workforce. Second, student loan debt: I'll continue the bipartisan work on loan relief and make our reimbursement program easier to actually use, so relief reaches the people it was designed for. Third, food and basic needs: I want to continue to champion legislation on food insecurity next session, because no family in one of the wealthiest states in the nation should have to choose between groceries and the electric bill. Fourth, it's housing, and we have to work collaboratively to keep holding developers and agencies accountable so that affordable housing in our state is safe and well-maintained.

As Vice Chair of Appropriations, I'll continue to make sure the budget reflects these priorities. And through the affordability and poverty task force I'm leading as Chair of the Committee on Children, we'll bring data-driven recommendations to the next session.

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

Energy bills are hurting families across our district. I'll continue to fight for immediate relief through stronger energy assistance and shutoff protections, accountability so rate increases are justified, and unecessary charges come off monthly bills.

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

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

My record speaks for itself: more than a dozen bills passed, includng making Connecticut the leader on many issues of child welfare, childcare, student loan debt, and supporting our state univeristy system and nonprofits. My colleaugues have trusted me to chair the Committee on Children, serve as Vice Chair of Appropriations, and help elect and grow our majority within the caucus.

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

This work is personal for me. I was raised in large part by my grandparents who taught me that service is the rent we pay for our blessings. Stamford is home for my wife and me, and I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish by bridging the gap. I aim to lead with humility, work across the aisle and keep my ear to the ground to the needs of our neighbors. Whether or not we agree on every issue, you'll always have a representative who listens and shows up.