RUNNING FOR YOU
Rob Sampson is a longtime Connecticut legislator who has represented residents of the state for more than a decade. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2010 and later elected to the Connecticut State Senate in 2018, Sampson currently serves Connecticut’s 16th Senate District, which includes Southington along with Cheshire, Prospect, Wolcott, and portions of Waterbury. He was re-elected to a fourth Senate term in 2024 and currently serves as Senior Deputy Republican Leader in the Connecticut Senate.
Throughout his legislative career, Sampson has built a reputation as one of Connecticut’s most outspoken advocates for limited government, individual liberty, constitutional principles, and government transparency. He frequently emphasizes the importance of representative government, fiscal responsibility, and accountability in state policymaking. His legislative work has included service on committees focused on government administration and elections, housing, labor, and public employees.
A resident of Wolcott, Sampson brings experience from both the private sector and public service. Prior to and alongside his legislative career, he worked in insurance, real estate, and business management. His background in private enterprise has influenced many of his policy positions, particularly on taxation, economic development, small business issues, and regulatory reform.
During his time in office, Sampson has been a consistent voice on issues involving election integrity, government accountability, fiscal policy, and protecting individual rights. Supporters often point to his willingness to challenge policies he believes expand government beyond its intended role, while advocating for reforms designed to increase transparency and public confidence in government institutions. He has also been active in debates concerning voting procedures, public spending, housing policy, and the role of state government in everyday life.
Sampson describes his public service as being guided by principles of freedom, representation, constitutional government, and the rule of law. He has frequently stated that Connecticut can become more affordable, more accountable, and better positioned for future generations through responsible leadership and citizen engagement. His campaign and legislative platforms consistently emphasize empowering residents, strengthening communities, and ensuring that government remains responsive to the people it serves.
Today, Rob Sampson continues to represent the residents of the 16th District at the State Capitol while advocating for policies he believes will strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect individual liberties, and improve the quality of life for families and businesses throughout the region. Whether speaking on issues affecting local communities, state government operations, or broader constitutional concerns, he remains one of the most recognizable Republican voices in Connecticut politics.
Tim Wilk is a lifelong public servant, community leader, and small business owner who has dedicated more than three decades to serving the residents of Southington. A retired Southington Police Department sergeant and current reserve police officer, Wilk has built his career around protecting the community, helping residents through difficult situations, and working collaboratively to solve problems. In 2026, he announced his candidacy for Connecticut State Representative in the 81st House District, seeking to bring his experience in public service and community leadership to the State Capitol.
Wilk served for 25 years with the Southington Police Department, retiring with the rank of sergeant in 2021. Throughout his law enforcement career, he earned a reputation for professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the people he served. His experience extends beyond traditional policing duties; he also received specialized training as an FBI-trained hostage and crisis negotiator, helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Beyond law enforcement, Wilk has remained deeply involved in the Southington community. He currently serves as Chairman of the Southington Board of Fire Commissioners, helping oversee and support critical emergency services that protect local residents. He has also volunteered with organizations including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Make-A-Wish, and Connecticut Special Olympics, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to serving others both in and out of uniform.
Wilk’s connection to Southington extends beyond public service. He and his wife, Kristen, have lived in town since 2004 and raised their family in the community. In addition to his public roles, he owns and operates Tim Wilk Photography, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing local small business owners. His background in both public safety and private enterprise provides a perspective shaped by real-world experience and community involvement.
As a candidate for State Representative, Wilk has emphasized issues that directly affect Connecticut families, including affordability, the rising cost of living, taxes, energy costs, and government accountability. He has stated that his approach to leadership is rooted in listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and working to ensure that government remains responsive to the people it serves. His campaign reflects the same principles that guided his law enforcement career: service, accountability, communication, and a commitment to the community.
Today, Tim Wilk continues to serve Southington through public safety, volunteer leadership, and civic engagement. His career has been defined by a commitment to helping others, strengthening the community, and ensuring that residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Whether serving in uniform, leading local organizations, or seeking elected office, Wilk remains focused on supporting the town he has called home for more than two decades.
Gale Mastrofrancesco serves as the State Representative for Connecticut’s 80th Assembly District, representing residents of Wolcott and portions of Southington. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2018 and taking office in 2019, she has earned a reputation as an active advocate for her constituents and a strong voice on issues affecting local communities and families. She was re-elected to a fourth term in 2024 and currently serves as Assistant House Republican Leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives.
A lifelong Connecticut resident, Mastrofrancesco was raised in Waterbury and later settled in Wolcott with her husband, Angelo, where they raised their two children. Before entering state government, she built a career in the private sector, working as a sales manager for AT&T Advertising and later serving as Director of Community Relations for Benchmark Senior Living at The Village at Kensington Place in Meriden. Her professional experience in business, communications, and community outreach has helped shape her approach to public service and constituent engagement.
Prior to her election to the General Assembly, Mastrofrancesco was deeply involved in local government. She was elected to the Wolcott Town Council in 2009, where she served as vice chairwoman for more than seven years. During her tenure on the council, she also chaired the Town Negotiations Committee and served on the Finance Committee, gaining firsthand experience with municipal budgeting, labor relations, and local government operations. These experiences provided a strong foundation for her work at the state level and continue to influence her focus on fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
In the Connecticut House, Mastrofrancesco has held several leadership and committee positions. She currently serves as Ranking Member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee and is also a member of the Children, Labor and Public Employees, and Human Services committees. Her legislative work frequently focuses on election policy, government transparency, public accountability, and issues affecting Connecticut families and local communities.
Throughout her public service career, Mastrofrancesco has emphasized constituent accessibility and community involvement. She regularly hosts legislative update sessions, town meetings, and public forums in both Southington and Wolcott, providing residents with opportunities to learn about issues being debated in Hartford, ask questions, and share concerns directly with their elected representatives. She has also participated in local school visits, community events, and educational programs designed to connect state government with residents of all ages.
Mastrofrancesco often describes her priorities as centered on responsible government, economic opportunity, individual liberty, and strong local communities. Her legislative and community work reflects a commitment to representing the interests of the residents of the 80th District while ensuring that their voices are heard at the State Capitol. Whether addressing state policy, municipal concerns, or constituent services, she remains focused on supporting the communities of Wolcott and Southington through responsive leadership and public engagement.
Donna Veach serves as the State Representative for Connecticut’s 30th Assembly District, representing residents of Berlin and portions of Southington. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2020 and taking office in January 2021, Veach has focused her legislative work on issues affecting Connecticut families, businesses, public safety, and local communities. She currently serves residents of the 30th District while advocating for practical solutions to the challenges facing towns throughout central Connecticut.
Born and raised in New Britain, Veach has deep roots in central Connecticut. She and her husband, Jeff, have lived in Berlin for more than three decades and raised three daughters in the community. Their daughters all pursued careers in nursing, reflecting a family tradition of service and care for others. Veach is also a proud grandmother and remains actively involved in the local community she has called home for many years.
Before entering elected office, Veach built a diverse professional background in business, nonprofit leadership, marketing, and community development. She earned an associate degree in merchandising and marketing from Post University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American InterContinental University. Her career has included serving as Development and Marketing Director for the Hungerford Nature Center and New Britain Youth Museum, working as a notary public, and operating Copperpott Farms. These experiences provided her with firsthand knowledge of small business operations, nonprofit management, and community engagement.
In the Connecticut General Assembly, Veach serves on several key legislative committees, including Environment, Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Judiciary, and Internship committees. Through these assignments, she participates in discussions involving state budgeting, tax policy, environmental stewardship, legal matters, and workforce development. Her committee work allows her to represent the interests of Berlin and Southington residents on issues that directly affect local communities and Connecticut’s future.
Throughout her time in office, Veach has emphasized constituent service, accessibility, and community involvement. She regularly communicates with residents regarding legislation under consideration in Hartford and encourages citizens to share their concerns, ideas, and priorities. Her approach to public service is rooted in maintaining strong connections with the people she represents and ensuring that local voices are heard in state government.
Veach’s legislative priorities frequently focus on economic opportunity, responsible government, public safety, support for local businesses, and policies designed to strengthen Connecticut communities. Drawing on her background in business and community organizations, she works to address issues impacting families, employers, and taxpayers while supporting initiatives that promote growth and long-term stability throughout the state.
Today, Donna Veach continues to serve the residents of Berlin and Southington in the Connecticut House of Representatives, bringing a combination of business experience, community leadership, and public service to her role. Her commitment to constituent engagement and practical problem-solving has made her a familiar and active presence throughout the communities she represents.
Rich Mette is the Republican nominee for Connecticut’s 22nd House District, representing communities that include Plainville, Farmington, and Southington. As a longtime Connecticut resident and community advocate, Mette entered the race with a focus on affordability, economic opportunity, and addressing the challenges facing families and businesses throughout the region. His campaign centers on bringing practical solutions to issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives while ensuring that local voices are represented in Hartford.
Mette’s candidacy emerged from concerns about the rising cost of living in Connecticut and the impact that state policies have on families, retirees, and small businesses. Throughout his campaign, he has consistently emphasized the need to improve affordability and strengthen Connecticut’s economic climate. He has spoken about creating an environment where residents can build careers, raise families, and remain in the state without facing increasing financial pressures.
As a candidate, Mette has focused on grassroots engagement and community outreach. His campaign has worked to connect directly with residents throughout the district, encouraging conversations about local priorities and the issues that matter most to voters. Through public appearances, campaign events, and community discussions, he has sought to build relationships with residents and better understand the concerns facing neighborhoods across the district.
Mette has frequently discussed concerns related to Connecticut’s business climate, government spending, and overall affordability. He has expressed a desire to support policies that encourage economic growth, retain businesses, and create opportunities for future generations. His campaign message highlights the importance of responsible government, fiscal accountability, and ensuring that taxpayers receive value from state government.
Throughout the campaign, Mette has emphasized the importance of listening to residents and representing their interests in Hartford. He has stated that elected officials should remain accessible to the people they serve and should focus on practical solutions rather than partisan division. His approach reflects a commitment to community involvement, constituent engagement, and responsive representation.
As he seeks election to the Connecticut House of Representatives, Rich Mette continues to engage with voters across the district, advocating for policies aimed at improving affordability, strengthening local communities, and supporting long-term economic success for Connecticut families.