Patch Candidate Profile: Heather Stafford For 131st House

OXFORD, CT — Democrat Heather Stafford is seeking the 131st House District seat, naming affordability as her top issue in her responses to Patch’s candidate questionnaire.

Stafford, an acupuncturist, is challenging Republican state Rep. Arnold Jensen, a retired engineer seeking a second term. The district includes Oxford and parts of Naugatuck and Southbury. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Here are the candidate’s responses to Patch’s questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

Heather Stafford

What office are you seeking?

State Representative District 131

Age:

55

District:

131

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://heatherforstaterep.com

Occupation:

Acupuncturist

Family:

Husband Jon, Daughter Paisley

Does anyone in your family work in government?

no

Previous public office:

none

Why are you seeking this office?

To be a part of changes I would like to see in my state

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

Affordability. I will work to get as much as I can to my district and help lower our costs as much as I can.

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

Work with those who can help us reduce costs.

READ MORE:

• Failing Equipment Drives Oxford’s Radio Request
• Recent Death Notices From Oxford: Sept. 3 To Oct. 3, 2026
• Oxford Charter Changes Head To November Ballot

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

Choosing the right committees that can directly help and work with other Representatives that share my desire to get lower costs for our community.

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

My ability to shift and pivot when life gets hard. Knowing that there is often more than one answer to a problem and not being afraid of hard work to get to the right end.

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

I am not a politician. I am your neighbor, a wife and a mom first and foremost. I love the state that I was born in and I just want to serve my community regardless of (their or my) political affiliation.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.

Editor’s note: Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the state. The responses below were submitted by the candidate and reflect the candidate’s views.