Kara Rochelle is the state representative for Connecticut House District 104, covering Ansonia and Derby. Born and raised in the Naugatuck Valley, she assumed office in 2019 after winning election in 2018 and has been re-elected, including in the November 5, 2024 general election, making her a third-term representative. She currently serves as Deputy Majority Leader and is a passionate advocate for working families, seniors, education funding, tax relief, municipal aid, and community redevelopment. Notable achievements include securing record increases in education funding for Ansonia and Derby schools, lowering taxes for seniors and families, enhancing Waterbury Rail Line service, and supporting the “Covered Connecticut” health insurance plan for over 40,000 residents. She founded the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats to reform the party toward its working-class roots and serves as a corporator for Valley United Way and on the advisory board of Southern Connecticut State University's School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Fordham University.
• Professional Experience: Worked as an administrator for Shabtai, a faith-based nonprofit affiliated with Yale University.
• Political Experience: Elected to Connecticut House of Representatives in 2018 for District 104; serves as Deputy Majority Leader, vice-chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, and member of the Commerce, Screening, and General Law Committees; previously vice-chair of the Commerce and Housing Committees.