West Hartford Councilor Gets Dem Endorsement For 18th House

WEST HARTFORD, CT — As expected, West Hartford Town Council Member Tiffani McGinnis has secured the Democratic Party endorsement for Connecticut’s 18th House District seat, which represents part of West Hartford.

In a statement released Thursday, McGinnis said she was “honored” to receive the endorsement and described her campaign as focused on practical leadership and local priorities.

“I’m running because I believe people are looking for leadership grounded in common sense, integrity, and accountability,” McGinnis said. “They want leaders who understand the pressures they’re facing, who support strong public schools and safe communities, and who are focused on solving problems rather than scoring political points.”

McGinnis said that, if elected, one of her priorities would be to advocate for state funding that benefits West Hartford and the 18th District.

“One of my most important roles will be as an advocate for the 18th district and West Hartford, working to ensure we receive our fair share of funding for education, infrastructure, public safety, and other services families rely on every day,” she said.

McGinnis has lived in West Hartford for more than a decade with her husband, Matthew, and previously served as vice chair of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee.

Her political experience also includes serving as campaign treasurer for Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, organising for the Biden-Harris campaign, and managing several local and state political campaigns.

McGinnis said her background in healthcare administration, small business ownership and public service would help inform her approach if elected to the General Assembly.

“Between now and Election Day, November 3, I look forward to earning the vote of the residents of the 18th district,” McGinnis said.

Incumbent state Rep. Jilliam Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, announced she's not running for another term to focus on her ongoing congressional bid.

She is on the primary ballot for the 1st Congressional District with endorsed hopeful Luke Bronin and U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District.

The 18th House District is entirely in West Hartford, representing a portion of the town.

The West Hartford Republican Town Committee has not made any formal announcements of their hopeful for the seat.

The party website, however, lists Philip Tummescheit as being the GOP hopeful with "information coming soon."