Candidate Profile: Kenneth Gucker, 138th State House District

DANBURY, CT — Kenneth Gucker, a Democrat, is running for reelection in Connecticut's 138th State House District in the Nov. 3 general election.

Gucker is the incumbent state representative and faces Republican challenger Irving Fox for the seat, which includes portions of Danbury.

Patch asked candidates running in the 2026 election to answer questions about their backgrounds, priorities and positions on issues affecting Connecticut residents.

Here are Gucker's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

Kenneth Gucker

What office are you seeking?

State Representative 138

Age:

62

District:

138

Party:

Dem

Campaign website:

https://guckerforct.com

Occupation:

Auto Restoration

Family:

Partner

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

State Rep 3 Non‑consecutive Terms

Why are you seeking this office?

The neighbors and the community have asked me to do so. To ensure Danbury gets the support from Hartford we deserve. To support our schools, protect our environment and have responsible development. In short, to help people

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Affordability, The ever changing actions of Washington have made things less affordable. Wars driving up fuel costs, driving up food costs, and utilities out of control. Healthcare, un-afordable. Housing shortage driving up housing. How to address these issues? Reform housing to insensitive actual affordable housing. Hold insurance companies accountable and say no to unjustified rate increases like I have always done. Work on the supply issue that is driving our electric rates. Bring back more to Danbury while cutting the income tax.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

CT has a supply issue and sadly we need to look into methods to increase that supply. As no one wants a power plant in their back yard, we need to look at green technology. Take negative space and turn them into energy generators. The entire US is looking at an electric increase of 18% across the board. The sooner we get to generation, the more we will be insulated.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

The whims of DC have been driving this issue and CT has been stepping in and filling those gaps. Had it not been for a major investment in Healthcare by the legislature rates were projected to go up 4X. Locking in prescription drug costs. Dealing with housing affordability by responsible reform that is truly affordable that helps people not developers. Continue to bring more support back to Danbury to which keeps our mill rate low

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

Record returns in investment to our city. I have never missed a committee vote or chamber vote. Brought back 2.3 million for the Margerie trail, $650,000 for Richter house renovations, more than $200k for Musicals at Richter. Fought and got the aquatic evasive species bill into law. Instrumental in 3 new schools being built. Helped countless families get through Covid and continuous community and family aid on a daily basis. The list is way too long to list.

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

As an old Eagle Scout, I believe that when people ask for help, that that help is non conditional. When you are elected to office, you represent all people and not the ones who have supported you. I believe this is why I am endorsed by more than 20 groups, from labor, to environmental, to animal, to education. Progressive groups to conservative. My philosophy of working with all for all has rewarded me with not only the Democratic ballot line but also the Working Families line as well as the Independent. To be able to bridge those 3 groups is saying something, it says you represent all.