By Beth Barhydt
Nick Simmons, a first-time candidate for Connecticut’s 36th District Senate seat, chatted with the Sentinel about his campaign, motivations, and personal background. Simmons, a Stamford resident, shared how his upbringing in a politically active household shaped his values and desire for public service. His path to candidacy reflects a blend of professional experiences, from Wall Street to education, and a commitment to moderate politics.
While Simmons’ campaign has gained significant financial support, recent attention has turned to the geographic distribution of his supporters. More than half of the $201,000 Simmons raised from individuals came from outside the district he seeks to represent—Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan—and 56 percent from outside Connecticut, according to The Stamford Advocate. Five percent of Simmons’ contributions have come from New Canaan.
The data has sparked questions about the source of his backing, particularly in contrast to Fazio, whose campaign funding is 97 percent from within the district.
Simmons, who is the son of cable television businessman and author Steve Simmons, was raised in Greenwich and lives in Stamford. Gov. Ned Lamont is reportedly a friend of the family.
Simmons shared how growing up in a politically active household shaped his ethos of public service. “My parents instilled in us that service to the community is one of the most important things we could do,” Simmons explained. His father, a moderate Republican, and his mother, a Democrat, nurtured Simmons’ interest in governance, which eventually led to internships and volunteer work in local politics.
After earning degrees from Yale University, Simmons initially ventured into the financial sector, but he says that his time on Wall Street left him unfulfilled. He soon transitioned into education, becoming a seventh-grade math teacher at Success Academy, a charter school in Harlem, New York. “Working with students in Harlem was one of the most defining experiences of my life,” he said, noting the significant challenges his students faced, such as poverty and homelessness. “They showed me that everyone has incredible potential to thrive if given the right structures and systems.”
Simmons explained that he went on to pursue dual graduate degrees at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School before working for Governor Ned Lamont and serving briefly in the Biden administration. Simmons highlighted his work on education policy, workforce strategy, and economic development in Connecticut as key achievements.
When asked why he decided to run for office, Simmons pointed to his desire to bring back moderate, common-sense problem solving to Greenwich and the surrounding areas. “I’ve always been a moderate, and I think there’s been too much extremism on both sides,” he explained.
Simmons also spoke about his personal life during the interview, sharing details about his family. He and his wife, the CEO of a healthcare startup, recently welcomed their first child, Lucas. They live in Stamford. Simmons described their family activities as a source of balance in his life, noting, “We love taking Lucas to the beach, botanical gardens, and aquariums.” Something that keeps him grounded amidst the rigors of the campaign trail.
While Simmons continues to raise significant funds and mobilize national networks, Fazio’s campaign, with 97 percent of contributions from within the district, contrasts sharply with Simmons’ fundraising profile. Both candidates will be looking to shore up support as the campaign progresses, with a financial disclosure deadline approaching on October 10.
