Representative Poulos Launches Re-election Campaign
- Philip Thibodeau
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
At Domenic and Vinnie’s Pizza on Thursday night, a crowd of about 60 friends, family and other supporters gathered to witness the launch of State Representative Christopher Poulos’ re-election campaign.
For the past three years, Poulos has been the representative for Connecticut’s 81st District, which covers the lower half of Southington, including all parts of town south of a line that runs through Prospect Street, West Street, Hart Street, Route 10, Hobart Street, Flanders Street, and Berlin Street.
This will be Poulos’ third run for the office. His first race, against current Town Council member Tony Morrison, drew national attention after it was decided by a single vote.
Poulos describes himself as a ‘blue dog’ or moderate Democrat whose strength lines in his ability to establish good relationships, not just with other members of his party, but with politicians from across the aisle. In a gesture of bi-partisanship, he received speeches of endorsement at Thursday’s event from local journalist and town promoter Art Secondo, a registered Republican, and John Barry, a former Democratic chair of the Town Council.
Secondo in his speech praised Poulos, not just for securing state funding for projects like the construction of the new library, but for showing up so many local community events. “I can’t believe how many places he goes to!,” he told the crowd.
Barry offered his own take on the candidate: “What I like to say about Chris is that his number one priority is the people of Southington. And every vote he takes in Hartford is with that in mind. Chris represents his constituents in a thoughtful way, he is courageous in his actions as a public servant, and he is intellectually curious. He is always learning, and wants to learn what people have to say. What’s he’s been able to deliver for Southington is amazing.”
Poulos’ recent ascent has been a boost for the local Democratic Party, which must compete in a town where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats. Dave Zoni, who represented the 81st District from 2013 to 2017, remarked, “We were in a political desert for a few years because we didn’t have anyone from the Democrats in Hartford. It’s a fantastic thing if you’re able to do it, because the greatest thing about being a representative is that you can help people.”
For Poulos, the decision to run again was not a difficult one. “I think we’ve done some great stuff,” he said. “We have more work to do. I’ve had the support and encouragement of my family. I think I add value at the Capitol as a member of the moderate caucus. And I like what I’m doing.”
The campaign launch doubled as a birthday party for the candidate, who just turned 51. In addition to serving as State Representative, for which he is compensated $43,600 a year, Poulos has for many years been a Spanish-teacher at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Connecticut. He was chosen Connecticut Teacher of the Year in 2007, and inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2022.
The next step for his campaign is to secure enough donors and donations to qualify for public financing. The total donation amount required by law is $5,800, although candidates typically aim for a sum closer to $7,000 in case any contributions are disqualified by the State Election Enforcement Commission, which oversees the program. Candidates for State Representative are also required to obtain donations from at least 150 residents in their district. A candidate who meets both criteria and qualifies for public financing turns that money over the Commission, and receives in return a sum of $36,500 which can be used for campaign expenses.
After that comes the work of door-knocking, which involves going to people’s homes to hear their concerns and make the case for his candidacy.
How many doors does Poulos expect to knock on this time? “My first campaign, I did 5,300, my second campaign, I did 9,000. I don’t think I’ll do any less this time around.”
