CT Patch Candidate Profile: David Rutigliano For State Representative

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3, 2026, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Candidate's Name:

David Rutigliano

What office are you seeking?

State Representative, 123rd District

Age:

60

District:

123rd

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://voterutigliano.com

Occupation:

Chef, Restaurateur, Culinary Director

Family:

Wife Michele; two sons, David and Joseph

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No.

Previous public office:

State Representative; Trumbull Board of Finance; Trumbull Economic Development Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking reelection because I believe I have a record of serving Trumbull and a responsibility to keep bringing a practical, independent perspective to Hartford. Trumbull is where Michele and I raised our family and built a business. For more than 30 years, I have worked in the real economy, making payroll, creating jobs, dealing with rising costs, and government regulation. That experience has taught me that even well-intentioned decisions can have unintended consequences for families and employers. I believe Hartford is out of balance, overwhelming one party rule has not served us well. I have worked with legislators from both parties when I believed the idea would benefit Trumbull, and would be honored to continue to do so.

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

Affordability remains my top concern. Families, seniors and small businesses face high costs for housing, energy, taxes and everyday necessities. My approach is to control state spending, preserve responsible budgeting, and look for meaningful tax relief. I supported the bipartisan budget framework and fiscal guardrails that have helped strengthen the state's finances. This budget has generated billions in surpluses that we have used to pay down debt, this is a good thing. That being said any remainder should be returned to the municipalities in the form of aid to help reduce property taxes or directly to taxpayers. The current administration has decided to spend these excess dollars, and not provide significant tax relief. I also support policies that expand job opportunities and make Connecticut a place where our young people can afford to stay and build their futures.

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

Connecticut needs more reliable, affordable energy supply. In particular, I believe constraints on natural gas supply into New England contribute to higher electricity costs, because natural gas generation frequently influences wholesale power prices. We should address those constraints while maintaining a diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear power and emerging technologies. I have supported Connecticut's nuclear generation and pressed for accountability and careful scrutiny of utility costs and regulatory decisions at PURA. We should also examine charges on electric bills and ensure that energy policy is measured by its real cost to families and businesses. Reliability, affordability and transparency need to be central to every decision. We have to come to terms with the fact that the deregulation of the energy market in the late 90’s has been a failure and the policy should be revisited.

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

Affordability requires more than one program or one tax change. It means holding the line on taxes, reducing unnecessary costs imposed by state policy, encouraging economic growth. I have consistently opposed tax increases and supported bipartisan fiscal discipline. I favor using available state surpluses responsibly for taxpayer relief and stronger municipal support. We also need to consider the costs of regulations before passing them, these costs often end up in the prices families pay. I will continue to bring my common sense and practical business experience to my work at the capitol.

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

I am proud of my in record in Hartford. I have helped secure state support for Trumbull projects, including Long Hill Green, the veterans center, Unity Park and Thrushwood Lake. I have worked on protections for first responders, including firefighter cancer coverage, tax relief for volunteer firefighters and PTSD-related protections and services for first responders. I have also participated in important legislative work on artificial intelligence, data privacy and online protections for children, as well as employment and economic development. I supported the bipartisan fiscal framework that strengthened Connecticut's budget practices. Outside Hartford, I have spent three decades building and operating Connecticut restaurants and employing hundreds of people. Those experiences shape how I evaluate proposals and their real-world consequences.

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

I do not believe good ideas belong to one political party. My approach is to listen, ask questions and work with anyone when I believe the result will help Trumbull families. People will not agree with every vote I cast, but I want them to know that I take the responsibility seriously and try to understand the consequences before making a decision. I value local decision-making, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, opportunity for working families and respect for the people who serve our communities. Overwhelming one party rule has not served CT well, we need a more balanced approach to governing will all ideas are considered. My commitment is to remain accessible, independent-minded and focused on the people of Trumbull.