Candidate Profile: Kathleen Kimball, 87th State House District

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2026 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 Connecticut gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Kathleen Kimball, 36, of North Haven, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 87th District, representing North Haven.

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://www.drkimball87.com

Occupation:

Emergency Veterinarian

Family:

Married, with a family dog

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

None

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for state representative to make North Haven a more affordable, healthier, and supportive place to live. I love this town and want to bring what makes it great to Hartford and to bring what we deserve as a town back to North Haven. Our seniors, families, and businesses work hard, and they deserve a representative who negotiates well on their behalf.

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

The No. 1 issue facing Connecticut is affordability. Connecticut is a leader in nearly everything except for making economic mobility accessible for working families. I seek to (1) pursue equity in our tax structure to support seniors and families, (2) fully fund public education, (3) strategically uncouple healthcare from our jobs, and (4) thoughtfully update state infrastructure to meet all citizens where they are.

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

We need to address the duopoly of UI and Eversource and hold them accountable for what they have done to Connecticut families. We must incentivize and support development of public utilities and invest in renewable green energy.

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

Affordability is a complex and multi-faceted issue, but all roads lead back to investment and advocacy. We need to put people first instead of profits. A healthy, housed, and educated public must be prioritized over the desires of large corporations.

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

I am a cool-headed doctor, a dedicated mentor, a gifted negotiator, and an enthusiastic community servant. I am not, nor have I ever been, a stranger to problem-solving, flexibility, or hard work. My years spent with my sleeves rolled up in the emergency room have aligned with a sincere readiness to improve our district, our state, and by transition, our country. I have made a career out of making tough decisions with minimal information, supporting families during some of their most difficult moments.

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

Every decision I make in my work, my personal life, and beyond always begins with, "How does this decision support the maximum number of people?" I am not a career politician. I am not, nor will I ever be, beholden to anyone except for my neighbors. I took an oath at the start of my career to practice conscientiously, ethically, and with dignity, and to me that extends past our pets and to our communities. My time in office would include supporting the next generation to help hand over the torch when it is their turn to lead us into the future.