Patch Candidate Profile: Ceci Maher For 26th State Senate District

WILTON, 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.

Ceci Maher, a Wilton resident, is running for State Senator 26th District.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor of Science, Fashion Marketing, University of Massachusetts. Masters in Social Work, Columbia University

Occupation: Retired, former nonprofit CEO

Family: I have three grown children, a daughter and two sons, both sons recently married, my daughter is engaged and they are marrying next year. My husband passed away in 2020. I have two dogs.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, I was appointed to the Wilton Board of Finance in fall 2018 and served until fall 2019, when I ran for the Board of Selectmen, losing by 100 votes.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running because I have the experience that helps translate problems into solutions and I care deeply about the 26th district and our communities. I possess a unique perspective, a public/private skill set and the ability to create strategic results. My energy, experience, expertise, and track record of success are essential qualities that our seniors, families, and children are all depending on. We have a bright future ahead of us if we elect leaders who know have a vision for CT’s future and know how to work to make that vision a reality.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the high cost of living in CT, including energy, housing, medical, and food costs. I will work to bring down costs and be an advocate for my constituents, bringing their voice to Hartford. Additionally, people are concerned about safe schools, gun violence prevention, and reproductive rights.

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

Over my years of service as a licensed social worker, then Executive Director of Person-to-Person, and most recently, at Sandy Hook Promise, I have a proven track record of innovation and concrete results, meeting people's needs for today and planning for tomorrow. I'll do the same as a state senator, creating opportunities and delivering outcomes that benefit us all, and move Connecticut forward. The 26th District needs a leader who can look forward, not just backward; one who puts the needs of everyday people in the forefront, working to create the Connecticut of the future.

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

I will focus on transportation infrastructure, and climate change mitigation.

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

When I became the executive director of Person-to-Person in 2005, we were serving 15,000 people yearly out of one site and giving out food for 176,000 meals. When I retired in 2019, we were serving 25,000 people yearly from 3 sites and giving out food for more than 2,000,000 meals. I have the ability to look at systems and then work to make them better. I hope to do this in the legislature for the people of the district, and Connecticut.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Never say 'never'"

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

When I was in 8th grade at St. Maurice's parochial school in Stamford I was the campaign manager for the boy who was running for class president. I was shocked when the class elected me instead. I am genuinely interested in people and in helping them, and making connections. I want everyone to thrive, that has been my guiding light in all that I have done in work, in volunteering, and in life.