CT Patch Candidate Profile: Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox

TRUMBULL, 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.

Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, a Trumbull resident, is running for State Representative 123rd House District.

Campaign website

sujataforct.com

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

BA Cornell University; MPhil New School; JD University of Pennsylvania

Occupation

Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Chair of the Justice and Law Department at Quinnipiac University (since 2011); I teach primarily constitutional and human rights law, and work with community organizations and police officers to engage young people in dialogue and in the community.

Family

My husband Wynn and I have been married since 2005. We have two children, Ishika, 9 (but she is very excited since she is turning ten in a few days!), and Aksita, 6. Intergenerational bonds are really important to me as well, and having my mom Sheela live with us is particularly special for her and the girls.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Age

43

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Trumbull Ethics Commission (2021-present).

Why are you seeking this office?

I got involved because over the past few years, I have become alarmed by political polarization in this country. Even in my teaching of constitutional law, I have heard students refer to stock political soundbites rather than actual constitutional issues. This polarization can be overcome by having real, sustained conversations between people who have different views, and by enacting some common-sense reforms in our politics.

For example, we must support our system for public financing of elections so ordinary people can be involved, have an independent redistricting commission so that politicians do not get to draw their own voting districts, and have reasonable term limits so that we avoid having career politicians in office for decades.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

First, I will fight to do more to secure Trumbull's fair share of our tax dollars. I will make sure our projects get the state aid they deserve, expand the state's property tax relief, and secure our fair share of Education Cost Sharing funds.

Second, recent Supreme Court decisions have placed the responsibility for ensuring women's rights, the right to privacy, and our safety from gun violence squarely at the feet of state legislators. Unlike my opponent, who voted against recent legislation codifying reproductive health protections, against legislation protecting us from climate change, and against legislation securing firearms, I will support gun safety, environmental protections, and a woman's right to choose. That's why I am endorsed by thirteen major organizations, including the National Organization for Women, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and CT Against Gun Violence.

Finally, my opponent has been in office for ten years, and it is time for a change. I believe our government works better when we don't have career politicians. That's why I support term limits, and would pledge to abide by them myself.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

We can do better when it comes to getting our fair share of state funding and when it comes to fighting for public elections and voting rights, a woman's right to choose, and our freedom to live without fear of gun violence. I also have unique practical experience that my opponent lacks. I wrote grants and worked with police officers as the director of a juvenile delinquency prevention program. Additionally, my experience teaching the constitution and practicing law will help me craft legislation that will benefit the town of Trumbull.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

We need to do better to make sure that Trumbull residents can stay in their homes. I will fight for an expansion of state-level property tax relief, either through a program of block grants to the towns or through expansion of the state property tax credit.

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

I have relevant work experience across multiple sectors. In my work in litigation, I gained experience with laws relating to taxation and finance. In my work directing non-profit programs, I have written multiple state and federal grants, worked connecting police officers with at-risk youth to reduce crime. As a teacher of constitutional law, I am in a good position to draft legislation to codify our rights and freedoms that are under threat in a way that will stand up in court.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There are two pieces of advice that come to mind, each from one of my parents. My father, who grew up poor in a village in India, came to the United States in 1969 with seven dollars in his pocket, and worked his way to a career designing parts for the space shuttles, always has told me that education and hard work are the keys to success. I have appreciated his love for learning and his work ethic and have tried to embody that ethic and teach it to my daughters. My mother always says to treat strangers with same kindness that you would give to your own family. I try to treat others with the same level of consideration as she does.

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

I genuinely love this community. We have great parks and schools, but above all we have really great people. I cherish the conversations we have had at the doors with so many thoughtful and smart people, and each time I have a conversation in which I find common ground with someone who has a different view, I have renewed faith that community politics can help rebuild trust in government and politics.