Candidate Profile: Troy Gargiulo, 120th 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.

Troy Gargiulo, 43, of Stratford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 120th District, representing Stratford.

Party:

Republican and Independent

Campaign website:

https://vote4troy.org/

Occupation:

HVAC Technician

Family:

Wife and 2 children

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

None

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office due to concerns in Hartford related to taxes, affordability, education, healthcare and zoning.

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

The number one issue facing our community is taxes and affordability. As your representative, I will work to address the issues that are driving costs higher and make sure Stratford’s voice is heard loud and clear in Hartford. I will fight for responsible decisions that put Stratford families and small businesses first and make sure the right choices are being made for our town.

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

One of my first priorities would be to eliminate unnecessary public-benefit costs that are being passed on to Connecticut ratepayers. I would also push for greater accountability from PURA and Governor Ned Lamont to address Connecticut’s excessively high energy costs. Families and businesses should not have to struggle under some of the highest energy costs in the country. Stratford deserves a representative who will fight to lower these costs, demand accountability, and make sure Hartford puts Connecticut residents first. And make sure the right choices are being made for our town.

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

Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing Connecticut families. My priorities are straightforward: lower electric rates, reduce the cost of groceries, address the tax burden, make healthcare more affordable, and suspend the state tax on gasoline and diesel.

Families are being asked to pay more for nearly everything, and they deserve meaningful relief. I will advocate for responsible policies that reduce unnecessary costs, protect taxpayers, and make Connecticut more affordable for working families, seniors, and small businesses.

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

I’ve lived in Connecticut my entire life, and for more than 12 years, Stratford has been my home. I’m a proud parent of two children in our public schools, and as a blue-collar worker, I understand firsthand the challenges that working families face every day.

I’m running because I see families struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, and I’m deeply concerned about what that means for our seniors and for the future our children will inherit. I believe Stratford deserves a strong, independent voice in Hartford—someone who understands the challenges our community faces and will fight for responsible decisions that put our families, seniors, and taxpayers first.

This isn’t about a political career. It’s about standing up for the community I call home and making sure Stratford’s voice is heard. I will advocate for responsible policies that reduce unnecessary costs, protect taxpayers, and make Connecticut more affordable for working families, seniors, and small businesses.

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

I’m proud to have earned the endorsements of the Stratford Republican Party, the Independent Party, and the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police. These endorsements mean a great deal to me because they reflect the trust of people and organizations who believe in putting our community first.

I’m not a career politician. I’m an everyday person who decided to step up because I care deeply about Stratford and the future of Connecticut. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m committed to making sure Stratford gets the attention and representation it deserves in Hartford.

Connecticut continues to place significant mandates and financial burdens on our municipalities without providing the resources needed to meet them. I will push for greater accountability and work toward fully funding education and special education so that the responsibility does not continue to fall disproportionately on local taxpayers.

I also believe our communities need thoughtful, responsible zoning policies that allow Stratford to grow while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. Families should not feel like they are being squeezed out of the communities they call home.

My goal is simple: put Stratford back on the map, make our voice heard in Hartford, and fight for responsible policies that protect taxpayers, strengthen our schools, support our families, and preserve the future of our community.