CT Patch Candidate Profile: Steve Visconti For State Representative In 118th District

MILFORD, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Steve Visconti is running for state representative in Milford's 118th District.

Candidate's Name:

Steve Visconti

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

37

District:

Milfords 118th

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://steveformilford.com/

Occupation:

Director of operations

Family:

We are a Family of 5, My Wife Rachel, Sons Isaiah, Elijah and Daughter Mia

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Constable, 2015- Present (City of Milford)

Why are you seeking this office?

For me, it’s pretty simple. I was born and raised in Milford, and over the years I’ve seen a lot of change some for the better and some for the worse.

But one issue continues to resonate with me: affordability.

Connecticut has struggled with affordability long before Trump or Biden. This isn’t about blaming one president or one political party. It’s about recognizing that what we’ve been doing hasn’t worked for enough people.

It’s time to try something new and focus on making Connecticut a place where working families can actually afford to live, stay, and build a future.

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

Affordability affects nearly every part of our lives. Medical costs, housing, food, clothing, utilities, and ever increasing taxes are squeezing families from every direction.

People don’t need more political talking points. They need real relief.

My plan is to put forward proven solutions, built on bipartisan efforts and focused on what actually helps people. We can work to lower utility costs. We can create a fairer sliding scale for assistance programs so people aren’t punished for earning a little more while still struggling to make ends meet. We can address the burden of property taxes and find meaningful ways to provide relief to homeowners and renters alike.

And we can focus on creating good-paying jobs that give people the opportunity not just to get by, but to build a future here.

These problems weren’t created by one party, and they won’t be solved by one party. It’s time to bring people together, focus on what works, and make Connecticut more affordable for the people who call it home.

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

We can tackle Connecticut’s high energy costs in several ways.

First, we need to take a hard look at utility bills and eliminate unnecessary fees and expenses that drive up costs for families and businesses. Every charge should be transparent, justified, and accountable to the people paying the bill.

Second, we should expand our energy options and work with neighboring states and regional partners to increase access to reliable, competitively priced energy. Connecticut families shouldn’t be paying more simply because we refuse to explore better options.

Third, we should aggressively pursue available federal funding to modernize Connecticut’s aging power grid and energy infrastructure. A stronger, more efficient grid can improve reliability, prepare us for future energy needs, and help control long-term costs.

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

I plan to tackle affordability by bringing together old and new ideas and working across party lines to find solutions that actually help people.

That means looking at everything from locking in tax rates for seniors and capping property taxes, to expanding healthcare options and creating a fairer sliding scale for assistance programs so working families don’t suddenly lose the help they need simply because they earn a little more.

But affordability isn’t just about lowering expenses. It’s also about creating opportunity.

I’ll work to bring better paying careers and new opportunities to Connecticut so our children and grandchildren don’t feel like they have to leave the state just to afford a home, start a family, and build a future.

Connecticut should be a place where people can afford to stay, raise their families, and retire.

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

For nearly two decades, I’ve worked in business management. But my experience didn’t start behind a desk.

In my late teens, I worked as a tradesman. I’ve served as a union shop steward, operated machinery, managed departments and warehouses, and helped run businesses. For more than a decade, I’ve also had the privilege of serving in elected office in Milford.

I’m a husband, a father, and I’ve been married for 16 years. Like so many families, I understand what it means to work, provide for the people you love, and think about what kind of future we’re leaving for the next generation.

I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have in business, public service, or life if I didn’t know how to listen, help others, lead by example, and most importantly bring people together.

Leadership is about bringing people together. It’s about listening to different perspectives, finding common ground, and creating a place where everyone can work toward a shared goal.

You don’t have to agree on everything to work together and get things done.

That’s the experience I bring, and that’s the kind of leadership I believe we need more of today.

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

I was born and raised right here in Milford. My family lived well below the poverty line, and during my teenage years, I worked to help pay our family’s bills while also volunteering to help others in need.

Those experiences shaped who I am today.

I know what it’s like to struggle. I know what it’s like to work countless 70+ hour weeks just to keep my family afloat. And I know how much it matters to have people in your community who understand those struggles firsthand.

That’s why my focus is on helping people and bringing real relief to working families.

I care deeply about the future of Milford. I’m concerned about protecting our environment, responsible development and preserving the character of our town, and making sure our schools are safe and properly supported.

Milford schools are personal to me. I attended them, and today my children attend them too. I believe we need to fully fund our schools while protecting fair pay and retirement security for the educators who dedicate their careers to our children.

Most importantly, I’m a husband and a dad. My wife, Rachel, and I have been married for 16 years, and we’re raising our three amazing kids Isaiah, Eli, and Mia right here in the community that raised me.

Milford isn’t just where I live. It’s my home. It’s where I grew up, where I learned the value of hard work and helping others, and where Rachel and I are raising our family.

I want to do my part to protect it, strengthen it, and make sure Milford remains a community where working families can build a good life for generations to come.