Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Jaime Foster, 57th House District

ELLINGTON-EAST WINDSOR-VERNON, 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.

Jaime Foster, a Ellington resident, is running for re-election as state representative in the 57th House District - Ellington, East Windsor, Vernon.

Campaign website https://www.facebook.com/Foste...

Party affiliation Democrat, endorsed by Independent, Working Families, and Greibel-Frank for CT parties

Education Dr. Foster is an alumnus of UCONN’s College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources; she received her B.S. in Dietetics and subsequently completed internship and testing requirements to be a Registered Dietitian. She has also obtained her MS and Doctorate in Nutritional Sciences.

Occupation Research Scientist for the Yale Public School of Health at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, focused on prevention and control of chronic diseases.

Family I am married to my best friend, Aaron, and am a proud mom to a beautiful, loving, and smart 4-year old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? N/A

Age 32.

Previous public office, appointive or elective I am the current state representative of the 57th and incumbent candidate.

Why are you seeking this office? I ran for my first term in 2020 committed to advocating for meaningful change that improves the quality of life for our community, supports our local farms and farmers, and keeps more money in our families' piggy banks. I am proud to say that I never wavered from that commitment and was even able to bring home over $12 million dollars in additional funds for special local projects that benefit our residents. I was able to do this because of my dedication to working across the aisle and with my colleagues on the issues my residents care about the most and hope to continue serving Ellington and East Windsor and now Vernon.

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 are the burden of taxes and access to affordable healthcare and am proud that I was able to support a historic tax cut of $650 million dollars in the state budget while also spending record amounts on agriculture, open space, clean water, and social services that our residents need. I am committed to continuing this good work.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I pride myself on being available and accessible to my community members and as someone who is willing to listen to and work for residents, whether that person voted for me or not. I have worked hard to lower taxes and also provide funds where we need it most - back into our communities. Unlike myself, my opponent has voted 5 out of 7 times to increase local taxes while serving on the Board of Selectmen.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I am honored to have been endorsed by four parties and will be on four ballot lines this upcoming election for the Democratic, Independent, Greibel-Frank for CT, and the Working Families parties. I am the only state house candidate who has achieved this and I believe this achievement reflects the strong passion, advocacy, and dedication I have for my district in Hartford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Move confidently and with conviction in whatever direction you're going. It is harder to build momentum than change direction.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am a mom, scientist, advocate, and volunteer. And I am here for you.