My name is Tim Gavin and I’m running for State Senate in Connecticut’s 28th District to serve the people of Fairfield, Easton, Newtown, and Bethel.
I know many people see our current politics, and our nation as a whole, as hopelessly divided – rife with partisan discord and obstructionism. But I think there are even more people who believe we are capable of moving beyond all of that to a more cooperative and forward-looking era of governance. Electing public officials driven by that spirit is critical to defusing the polarization that tears at the fabric of our community. I believe that servant leaders – veterans like myself, nurses, teachers, social workers, and many others – are ready to put aside narrow interests to make government work for the people.
I was born and raised in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley. My parents were both public school teachers for decades, and got me involved in community service from a young age. In high school, I was an altar boy and an Eagle Scout. In college at Yale University, I ran a program that connected Yale students to volunteer opportunities with local non-profits focused on supporting New Haven’s refugees, food insecure, and unhoused. After graduating with a B.A. in Humanities, concentrating on ethics and international affairs, I joined the Army as an infantry officer, leading a team of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and tanks.
Leading a mechanized infantry unit was among the most formative experiences of my life. Shortly after I completed my initial military training, I assumed responsibility for a platoon of more than 30 infantrymen, many of whom had deployed, seen combat, and been away from their families for months, all things I had not experienced. Yet, I was responsible for them. That experience taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers. Many of my soldiers were technical experts with years of experience on their weapon systems and had deep knowledge of tactics. Often, the most important part of my decision-making process was listening to all perspectives. My soldiers taught me the humility needed to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs in order to accomplish difficult missions. They taught me that a good leader is, above all, one who serves others.
In 2021, after nearly four years of service, I was preparing to transition back into civilian life and set out to start a career here in Connecticut, where I hope to someday raise a family.
And then the Capitol insurrection happened. Seeing the walls of our Capitol scaled and the Senate chamber overrun, all based on a lie? That served as a real wake up call for me. And it showed us all how fragile our democracy is.
Not long after the January 6th attack on our Capitol, I went through a program that helps veterans find jobs in technology. I learned a lot about the tech industry, but I was most inspired by a discussion between the program’s founder and General James Mattis, who urged young veterans to run for office: “You need to do your homework; you need to be humble, you need to listen, but you need to start stepping up with your brand of leadership.” He observed that veterans in Congress have proven to be among the most willing to work across party lines on behalf of their constituents.
I believe I can bring a fresh perspective, and responsive, accountable representation to Hartford. That’s how we will succeed in tackling the real challenges facing our community, like building a more financially resilient post-pandemic economy, taking on the threat of climate change, and addressing our state’s ongoing mental health crisis.
I am running to represent all of us – our principles, and our values in the State Senate. Together we can push for common sense, and pragmatic policy solutions to the problems in our community.
You can learn more about me and my campaign at gavinforctsenate.com. I look forward to meeting you, to earning your trust, and to earning your vote this November.
