John Fonfara is a Democratic State Senator representing Connecticut's 1st Senatorial District, which includes Hartford and Wethersfield. A lifelong resident of Hartford's South End, he was born on December 1, 1955, and has served in the legislature for over 34 years, including 10 years in the House of Representatives and his thirteenth term in the Senate since 1997. He currently holds key leadership positions as Senate Chair of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee and Deputy President Pro Tempore. Notable achievements include advocating for energy reforms to reduce costs, emissions, and promote renewables , improving Hartford's education system, enhancing urban-suburban quality of life, and securing $10 million for Wethersfield Cove cleanup.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Hartford public schools; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut; Master’s degree in Public Policy Studies from Trinity College.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Connecticut House in 1986; transitioned to the Senate in 1997. Previously chaired the Energy & Technology Committee; long-term focus on state budget, energy policy, and community improvements in predominantly Latino and African American areas of Hartford.