Patch Candidate Profile: Philip Tummescheit For 18th House District

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

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The 2026 election is heating up in Connecticut, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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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.

West Hartford Republican Philip Tummescheit, who is only 18, is challenging Democrat Tiffani McGinnis, a current town councilwoman, for the 18th House District seat.

The seat is currently occupied by state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, who opted against a new term in the House to run for Congress, eventually losing to Democrat Luke Bronin in a primary last August.

The 18th House seat is comprised of part of West Hartford.

Candidate's Name:

Philip Tummescheit

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

18

District:

18

Party:

Republican, Independent

Campaign website:

https://philipforwesthartford.com

Occupation:

Organist, Student

Family: N/A

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office: N/A

Why are you seeking this office?

I think we need a representative who listens to people over parties and who is not going to rubber stamp whatever their party proposes. I am an independent thinker, and everyone who knows me says the same. I am disappointed to see that my opponent has dismissed and ignored residents' concerns over Flock cameras here. As a state legislator, I want to make sure that everyone in the town has a voice when it comes to how their movements around town are tracked.

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

Connecticut is one of the least affordable states in the entire country, and as a legislator, my first priority is to relieve the crushing cost of living here by lowering electric rates, working with towns to keep property taxes from increasing at unsustainable rates, and lowering income taxes for the middle class. We can do better than this, but we need positive change.

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

Get rid of hidden fees in utility bills.

Advocate for strict oversight of Eversource, and make sure that it is maximally easy for private investors to invest in energy storage solutions that will help strengthen the grid.

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

The solution to the affordability crisis is not to find more ways to spend money, but to find more ways to return money to the Connecticut taxpayer. I support lowering taxes for the working class, getting rid of hidden taxes and fees in our utility bills, and helping to keep property tax growth rates below or equal to the rate of inflation by repealing the hundreds of unfunded state mandates that are raising costs for towns.

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

Please watch the debate between me and my opponent. I have gone to the Capitol to testify and speak with legislators. I approached and spoke to as many senators and representatives as I could, and I am not afraid of speaking out in public. The most important thing for a state representative is the experience of knocking a lot of doors. I have personally knocked many, many doors, and I intend to keep listening to people every day if elected.

I've also excelled at playing the pipe organ through dedicated hard work, and have won four national pipe organ competitions in the past two years.

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