Kathy Kennedy: Veteran Republican State Rep Seeks a Fourth Term in Connecticut’s 119th District

At 69, Kathy Kennedy isn’t a newcomer to the Connecticut State Capitol. She’s wrapping up her fourth term as the Republican representative for the 119th District, which covers the coastal towns of Milford, East Haven and surrounding neighborhoods.

Before politics, Kennedy spent a career in the private sector and is now retired. She’s a mother of two—a daughter and a son—and, while none of her family work in government, her own experience in public service has become the centerpiece of her campaign.

When asked why she’s seeking another term, Kennedy said she’s driven by the voices she hears on door‑to‑door canvassing: “Affordability is the number‑one issue on people’s minds.” She listed everything from property taxes and utility rates to healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries and childcare as costs that are squeezing families, seniors and veterans.

Energy costs, in particular, have surged across the state. Kennedy argues the biggest culprit is the public‑benefits charge tacked onto electric bills. “I’ll keep pushing with my colleagues to audit each line item, drop the wasteful ones and find better ways to fund essential services,” she said, adding that safeguards against expensive power‑purchase agreements are a priority.

On the tax front, Kennedy is championing a bipartisan approach: cutting the state income tax, eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, and even lowering the sales tax. She proposes a new bipartisan Ways and Means sub‑committee drawn from existing committees to sift through the budget and recommend concrete savings.

Her legislative track record includes a handful of wins that she points to as proof she can deliver. She’s secured tax credits for small businesses, fought to bring down prescription‑drug prices, and sponsored bills that protect minors from harmful social‑media content by giving parents more control. Kennedy also backed legislation to curb street “takeovers” and bolster law‑enforcement resources, while championing women’s health initiatives and measures to combat domestic violence.

Animal welfare isn’t off the radar either. Kennedy says she’ll push to tighten cruelty laws so that “our vulnerable furry friends have a voice.” Her recent endorsement by the Independent Party, she notes, reflects her willingness to work across the aisle.

“I love people,” Kennedy says with a smile. “I’ll always listen, because I care. My goal is simple: lead with common sense, compassion and empathy, and make sure every resident of the 119th feels heard and supported.”