Candidate Profile: Rebecca Hyland, 90th House District

WALLINGFORD, 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.

Rebecca Hyland, 39, of Wallingford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 90th District, representing parts of Wallingford and all of Middlefield.

Campaign website

https://www.rebeccahyland.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

J.D., George Washington University Law School; B.A., Quinnipiac University, Psychology & Political Science

Occupation

Stay-at-home Mom (3.5 yrs); High school social studies teacher (5 yrs); Public Defender (6 yrs)

Family

My husband, Ben, and I have a beautiful 3.5 yo son named Henry. We have a doggy daughter Vada, and two kitty daughters Lucy and Desi. We have 3 nephews, Aidan, Nolan, and Jacob. We have 2 nieces, Serena and Logan. We also have lots of other loved ones!!!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I will be the first.

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No, I have not.

Why are you seeking this office?

I must build a better future for my son. I love CT. I will keep it great while also addressing its weaknesses. I know that a better future means taking care of one another. We can’t say we’re thriving until we are all thriving together.

I will bring my experiences as a mother, a public defender, and a high school social studies teacher to the legislative table in Hartford. I will advocate for all of the people of the 90th regardless of political affiliation.

I will work tirelessly so we have what we need to make our loved ones happy, healthy, and safe. Thank you for your trust in me.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic security

The financial burdens on working families and individuals include healthcare, transportation, taxes, inflation, childcare, and more. I will pursue solutions that alleviate these burdens both in the short and long term.

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

My priority is helping the people of the 90th district. We need an advocate in Hartford who will fight for our best interests, not his own. I take the obligation of State Representative very seriously and vow to listen, learn, and act accordingly.

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

The incumbent knows what people want to hear, but does not advocate for us in Hartford. He rarely votes yes for the things we need and has failed to deliver on most of his legislative promises. He focuses on headline grabbing lawsuits that simply cost us money. He is unwilling to work across the aisle, and in fact, often votes no on bipartisan legislation. We need someone who will prioritize people over party, and that person is me.

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

My number one goal is to earn the trust of the people in Wallingford and Middlefield. My priorities include economic recovery, healthcare, education, and juvenile justice. That being said, my job will be to listen to the people and advocate on their behalf.

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

A successful state representative must have compassion, integrity, courage, strong intellect, and an intrinsic motivation to help people. All of these characteristics were required in my work as a public defender and as a teacher. I’m used to working in high pressure situations, and I excel at negotiating on behalf of people and working closely with “the other side.” I have a strong sense of work ethic and look forward to bringing the 90th’s voice to Hartford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Reverse the success = happiness formula. So much of our lives is focused on achieving more so we can be happier. All that does is constantly change the goalposts of happiness, moving them farther away every time we look for more or better. Instead focus on achieving happiness in the now, which can lead to infinite more success. This is all from Shawn Achor, a Harvard professor who lectures on positive psychology. I encourage everyone to watch his TED Talk, “The Happiness Advantage.”

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

I will be truly honored to represent the people of the 90th district. My mission is to make the world a better place for my son, which means I will not stop until we all thrive together.