Caroline Simmons
Caroline Simmons | |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Congresswoman from the 144th District | |
| Assumed office 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Michael Molgano |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Art Linares |
Caroline Simmons (born February 10, 1985) is a State Representative in Connecticut representing the 144th District. She is the youngest female legislator in Connecticut state office.[1] She is married to former Republican State Senator Art Linares.
Early life and career
Simmons was born in southern Connecticut and raised in a family of five children with a Democratic mother and Republican father.[2] She was the president of her high school, captain of three varsity sports and a two-time All-American lacrosse player.[3] She earned her bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 2008, where she majored in Government.[3] While in college, Simmons played on the varsity lacrosse team and spent a semester studying abroad at the American University in Egypt.[3]
After graduating Harvard she worked on Barack Obama's Presidential Transition Team, before accepting a job at the Department of Homeland Security.[4][5] At the Department of Homeland Security, Simmons served as Director of Special Projects in the Counterterrorism Coordinator’s Office and travelled to Kabul many times for her work.[3][5] Simmons also earned a Master of Arts degree in Middle East Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in 2011[3]
Connecticut General Assembly
Elections
2014
In 2014, Simmons returned to her home state, and became a state representative candidate for the 144th district.[6] Simmons defeated incumbent Republican Michael Molgano with 53.8% of the vote, and was the only Connecticut Democrat in 2014 to defeat an incumbent Republican.[7]
In her first term, Simmons co-sponsored legislation for a Connecticut Competitiveness Council.[8] Simmons introduced and led debate on a bill to enhance the state's cyber security.[9] Simmons also became an advocate for improvements to Stamford public schools, infrastructure, and public safety.[8]
2016
In 2016, Simmons won reelection, defeating her challenger with 67% of the vote.[10]
References
- ^ Skalka, Liz (November 9, 2016). "Simmons wins second term in 144th District". Stamford Advocate.
- ^ Skalka, Liz (December 27, 2016). "State Rep finds surprise proposal in The Advocate". Stamford Advocate.
- ^ a b c d e "Representative Hopes to Lead By Example". Stamford Advocate. August 31, 2015.
- ^ Skalka, Liz. "Representative hopes to lead by example". Stamford Advocate. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
- ^ a b "Caroline Simmons Biography". Connecticut House Democrats. Connecticut House Democrats.
- ^ Simmons, Caroline (March 29, 2014). "Why I'm Running in the 144th District". Stamford Advocate.
- ^ "Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2014". Ballotpedia. BallotPedia.
- ^ a b Tomlinson, Pat (February 4, 2016). "Simmons announces re-election bid to Stamford's 144th". Stamford Advocate.
- ^ "Stamford's Simmons backs cybersecurity bil". Stamford Advocate. April 17, 2015.
- ^ "Connecticut 144th District State House Results: Caroline Simmons Wins". New York Times. December 13, 2016.