2026 Patch Candidate Profiles: Andy Tedford, State Representative

VERNON, CT — Andy Tedford is running for state representative in the 56th District.

Photo:

Subscribe

Candidate's Name:

Andy Tedford

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

36

District:

56

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://AndyTforCT.com

Occupation:

Healthcare Analytics

Family:

My wife Yuqi Gao and my 2 year old daugther Olivia Fei and newborn Leia Mei

Does anyone in your family work in government?

My father, Jim Tedford, sits on Vernon's Town Council and has since 2015.

Previous public office:

Vernon Town Council from 2023 to 2025

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because Vernon is my home, and I want it to remain a place where families can afford to stay, raise their children, and build a future. I have spent my career solving problems in healthcare and years serving our community locally. Now, as a father raising my own family here, I want to bring that same practical, community first approach to Hartford and make sure Vernon has a strong voice at the Capitol.

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

Affordability is the biggest issue facing Connecticut. Too many families, seniors, and young people are struggling with the cost of living and wondering whether they can afford to stay here. With an MBA focused on project management and more than a decade working in healthcare operations, analytics, innovation, and budgeting, I've spent my career finding ways to make complex organizations work better and use resources more effectively. I want to bring that same practical, data driven approach to Hartford to lower costs, improve government efficiency, support good jobs, and help make Connecticut a place where families can afford to build their future.

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

Connecticut families are paying far too much for electricity. I support making PURA more independent and ensuring its first priority is protecting ratepayers. We also need to take a hard look at the public policy costs placed on electric bills, expand access to reliable sources like nuclear and hydropower, and encourage greater energy supply and competition. As Chair of Vernon's Water Pollution Control Authority during its $65 million modernization, compared with an $86 million budget, I was at the table with subject matter experts and worked to be a strong voice for ratepayers while keeping rates fair. I would bring that same focus on affordability, accountability, and practical decision making to Hartford.

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

Affordability has to be viewed as more than just one issue. It is housing, energy, taxes, childcare, healthcare, and whether people can afford to stay in the communities they love. My approach is to scrutinize costs, invest where it creates real value, and avoid shifting unnecessary burdens onto families. In my professional career and in local public service, I have worked with budgets, operations, and complex projects where every dollar mattered. I would bring that same practical approach to Hartford and focus on policies that make Connecticut more affordable for working families, seniors, and young people trying to build a future here.

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

I bring real world experience in operations, budgeting, analytics, and project management that I use every day in my professional career. I have spent more than a decade in Connecticut healthcare solving complex problems, managing competing priorities, and making sure resources are used effectively. In public service, I served on the Vernon Town Council and chaired the Water Pollution Control Authority during its major modernization, where I was at the table representing ratepayers as the project came in around $65 million compared with an $86 million budget. Many elected officials do not come to the legislature with that same hands on operational and financial experience. I do, and I would use it to ask better questions, challenge unnecessary costs, and make government work more effectively for taxpayers.

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

I'm a lifelong Vernon resident, a proud Rockville High School graduate, and a father raising my family here. Throughout my time in public service, I have worked across the aisle and built strong relationships with people who sometimes hold very different views from my own. Even those furthest from me politically have recognized that I am willing to listen, find common ground, and focus on what is best for the people we serve. I have a vested interest in continuing that approach in Hartford. I will always put Vernon ahead of party politics and work with anyone who is serious about finding practical solutions for our community.