Candidate Profile: Sam Carmody, 85th State House District

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2026 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 Connecticut gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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.

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

Sam Carmody, 40, of Wallingford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 85th District, representing Wallingford.

Party:

Democratic Party

Campaign website:

https://www.samcarmody.com

Occupation:

Community Relations and Economic Development Specialist

Family:

Husband, Jimmy

Does anyone in your family work in government?

My husband works for the federal government.

Previous public office:

Wallingford Town Council (current Vice Chair); Wallingford Registrar of Voters; Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals. Additional community service includes the Wallingford Public Celebrations Committee and the Board of Directors of Wallingford Center Inc.

Why are you seeking this office?

Wallingford has always been home to me. It’s where I grew up, where my family has deep roots, and where I’ve dedicated much of my life to public service. I love this community.

I’m running for state representative because I believe Wallingford deserves someone who understands our community, knows how government works, and has the experience to deliver results. That means listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and making sure their voices are heard and represented in every vote I cast in Hartford.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at the federal, state, and local levels of government. I’ve served as Wallingford Registrar of Voters and on the Wallingford Town Council. Those experiences have taught me that effective leadership begins with listening, finding common ground, and never losing sight of the people you’re elected to serve.

As I’ve knocked on doors throughout Wallingford, one concern has come up more than any other, the rising cost of living. Families are struggling with childcare expenses, seniors are worried about being able to remain in their homes, and young people who grew up here are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a home of their own.

These are not abstract policy discussions. They’re the everyday challenges facing our neighbors, friends, and families.

That's why making Wallingford more affordable will be one of my top priorities in Hartford. I'll work to lower everyday costs, provide meaningful tax relief, expand access to affordable childcare, and create more opportunities for young families and seniors to continue calling Wallingford home. My focus will be on practical solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.

Wallingford is a special place. My goal is to make sure it remains a community where people of every generation can afford to live, work, raise a family, and retire.

That’s why I’m running.

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

Affordability is unquestionably the greatest challenge facing Connecticut. The rising cost of living is putting an enormous strain on Connecticut families, and addressing affordability must be our top priority. I believe state government has a responsibility to help ease those pressures.

In making Wallingford more affordable, I will work tirelessly to secure additional state funding for Wallingford’s schools and essential services to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers.

We also need to make meaningful investments in affordable childcare, expand access to quality healthcare, and address the housing shortage that is pricing young people and working families out of our community.

Connecticut has made important progress in strengthening its fiscal position, and we need to continue being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. But fiscal responsibility and making life more affordable are not competing priorities. We can and should do both.

My focus will be on practical solutions that make a measurable difference in people’s everyday lives.

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

Wallingford is fortunate to have one of our community’s greatest assets: the Wallingford Electric Division.

For more than a century, our municipally owned electric utility has provided residents and businesses with reliable electricity at competitive rates. Its success is a testament to the importance of local control and the generations of community leaders who have worked to protect it.

My grandfather served as chairman of what was then known as the Wallingford Electrical Commission, giving me a personal connection to the Electric Division’s history and a deep appreciation for the importance of protecting its independence for future generations.

As a Town Councilor, and if elected as state representative, I’ll continue advocating for the resources and flexibility necessary to ensure the Electric Division remains one of Wallingford’s greatest strengths for generations to come.

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

Affordability isn’t just one issue. It’s the cumulative effect of housing, healthcare, childcare, taxes, and everyday expenses that are stretching household budgets further and further.

I know these challenges personally. Like many Wallingford residents, I’m a renter, and I understand how difficult it has become to purchase an affordable home in the community where I grew up.

As state representative, I want to focus on several areas where Connecticut can make a meaningful difference.

First, we need to provide greater state support for public education and essential services so that local taxpayers aren’t continually asked to shoulder that burden.

Second, we need to expand access to affordable childcare. For too many working families, childcare is one of their largest monthly expenses, sometimes rivaling the cost of housing. We need to support working parents while also making it easier for childcare providers to operate and expand.

Third, we need to address our housing shortage. That means encouraging responsible development, creating more housing opportunities for young people and seniors, and working with local communities to preserve their character.

Finally, we need to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, protect residents from rising insurance costs, and ensure that federal cuts don’t leave Connecticut families without essential services.

These challenges won’t be solved overnight, but they demand thoughtful leadership and a willingness to work across party lines.

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

I believe my greatest qualification is the extent of my experience in public service and understanding of how government works at every level.

I’ve worked in a congressional office, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. I’ve also served as Wallingford’s Registrar of Voters, and currently serve on the Town Council as Vice Chairman.

Those experiences have given me a perspective that I believe will be valuable in the General Assembly. I understand how state policy affects local communities, how municipalities operate, and how important it is to build relationships and work collaboratively to get things done.

On the Town Council, I’ve worked to support our public schools, protect essential municipal services, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

I’ve also supported efforts to ensure that local nonprofit organizations have the resources they need to serve our community, particularly residents facing difficult circumstances.

Beyond elected office, my service on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Public Celebrations Committee, and Board of Directors of Wallingford Center Inc., which has given me additional opportunities to contribute to our community and understand the issues that matter to residents and local businesses.

Throughout my public service, I’ve worked to remain accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people I represent.

Being an effective state representative requires more than understanding legislation. It requires knowing how to navigate government, build partnerships, and turn good ideas into meaningful results.

I believe my experience has prepared me to do exactly that.

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

I want voters to know that my commitment to Wallingford extends well beyond this election.

This community has shaped who I am. It’s where I grew up, where I’ve built my life, and where I’ve had the privilege of serving in local government.

I believe public service is fundamentally about people. It’s about listening to a resident who’s concerned about their property taxes, helping a family navigate a difficult situation, or making sure our community has a voice when important decisions are being made at the state level.

I’m proud of Wallingford’s history and traditions, but I also believe we have a responsibility to plan for its future.

That means protecting the Wallingford Electric Division, supporting strong public schools, preserving our open spaces, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring that our community remains affordable for people of all ages.

It also means recognizing that we don’t have to agree on every issue to work together. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with Democrats, Republicans, Unaffiliated and Independents, and I’ve learned that the best solutions often come from listening to people with different perspectives.

I’m proud to have the endorsement of Mary Mushinsky, whose 46 years of service has left an extraordinary mark on Wallingford. I hope to continue her tradition of thoughtful, accessible, and independent leadership.

If elected, I will always remember that I work for the people of Wallingford, not the other way around.

See also: Candidate Profile: Tom Laffin, 85th State House District