State Representative Tom O’Dea announced Monday that he will seek his 7th two-year term.
State Representative Tom O’Dea, serving the 125th Assembly District, has announced his intention to seek a seventh consecutive two-year term. O’Dea, a Republican, represents parts of New Canaan, Darien, and Stamford, and is known for his strong advocacy for local control and efforts to improve Connecticut’s affordability and business environment.
Elected to office in 2013, O’Dea has played a significant role in Connecticut’s legislative landscape. In December 2022, he was appointed Deputy House Republican Leader by House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, recognizing his leadership skills and legal expertise. This role marks his continuation in a position he has held since first being appointed Deputy Republican Leader in 2020 for the 2021-22 legislative session.
O’Dea’s tenure in the legislature has been marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and efforts to make Connecticut more affordable. Notably, he was a key architect of the 2017 Republican-led budget, which introduced fiscal guardrails leading to a more stable and predictable state budget. This budget strategy has resulted in surpluses, the first-ever state income tax cut, and a significant reduction in state debt.
In addition to fiscal matters, O’Dea is vocal on issues like reforming Connecticut’s affordable housing law, particularly state statute 8-30(g). He has criticized the statute for inhibiting the growth of affordable housing and promoting predatory development projects. O’Dea advocates for amendments to the statute, emphasizing the need for housing development that aligns with local interests.
Beyond his legislative work, O’Dea’s background includes extensive legal experience. He is a trial attorney with a record of representing various clients, including individuals, businesses, municipalities, and police officers. His legal career includes work in civil litigation, covering areas from commercial litigation to personal injury. He has also served in roles such as a member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council, a Victim Compensation Commissioner, and as chair of the Judicial Selection Commission.
O’Dea’s commitment extends to his local community as well, where he has been an active youth football coach and has helped establish local non-profits. He has been a part of the New Canaan Town Council and has contributed to the community in various appointed and elected state and local positions.
In his campaign announcement, O’Dea highlighted his deep connection to the district, noting that he and his family have been New Canaan residents since 1998, with his children attending local public schools. His campaign emphasizes his experience and insights into the community’s needs and concerns, underscoring his commitment to addressing them effectively at the state level.
O’Dea is also a leading voice on reforming Connecticut’s affordable housing law, state statute 8-30(g). “There is no dispute that 8-30(g) is failing us across the board,” O’Dea said. “For decades, this restrictive statute has stymied affordable housing growth in our state by punishing good-faith efforts to develop housing stock with local buy-in and encouraging predatory development projects in targeted areas like New Canaan and Darien.” He has continued to support legislation to amend the statute and predicts it will be another key issue of the next legislative term.
In addition to serving as Deputy House Minority Leader, O’Dea is a member of the legislature’s Judiciary, Environment, and Transportation Committees.
In New Canaan, O’Dea is an active youth football coach and community volunteer and has helped start several local non-profits including Staying Put and Voices of 9/11. Professionally, O’Dea is an experienced trial attorney at Diserio Martin in Stamford and has represented individuals, businesses, municipalities, and police officers throughout the state. Before being elected as State Representative, O’Dea served on the New Canaan Town Council from 2005-2013 and was a Gubernatorial appointee as a Victim Compensation Commissioner and Member of the Judicial Selection Commission.
“Connecticut needs strong, sensible leadership to tackle its most serious issues and difficult challenges, and I am humbled to receive the ongoing support to elect me as your State Representative to take them head-on. I am proud to have been your voice in Hartford for the last 12 years and will never take it for granted,” Rep. O’Dea said.
