Candidate Profile: Joe Gresko, 121st State House District

STRATFORD, 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.

Joseph P. Gresko, 62, of Stratford, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 121st District, representing Stratford.

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://joegresko.com

Occupation:

Green issues coordinator

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Stratford Town Councilman

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue Connecticut's financial recovery, continue championing environmental causes, make the state more affordable in areas the legislature can control and continue bringing funding back to Stratford.

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

Maintaining the existing fiscal guardrails which have allowed Connecticut to get back on firmer financial footing, which in turn has allowed for millions to be saved on interest payments, expand the EITC, create an early childhood endowment to fund free daycare, reduce the state income tax by .5%, etc. I would work to keep paying down Connecticut's unfunded contractual obligations.

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

The legislature removed the portion of the public benefits charge we have jurisdiction over from utility bills. I would encourage continued expansion of the energy generation portfolio by incentivizing solar, geothermal and battery storage.

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

Affordability issues are being driven on a federal/international level.

The price for fuel is driving up inflation/costs for daily essentials. I will continue getting Connecticut's fiscal house in order, which allows the state the ability to backfill cuts to Medicaid/SNAP.

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

Ten years as the legislator from the 121st House district. Former House Chair of the Environment Committee, now a Deputy House Speaker. Legislator of the year from Farm Bureau, CT Water Works, Bridgeport Regional Business Council. Millions of dollars secured for Stratford projects. Successful shepherding of legislation that protects our environment, conveyed state property to Stratford and provided millions to our municipality.

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

Knowledge, Experience, Integrity, Results. Born and raised in Stratford, I'm accessible and active in town, not a last-second candidate with no resume' of participation/interest except every two years around election time.