Kevin C. Kelly

Kevin C. Kelly is a Republican who represented Connecticut's 21st State Senate District, encompassing parts of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford.

Kevin C. Kelly, born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is an American lawyer and politician residing in Stratford, Connecticut. He served as a Republican member of the Connecticut State Senate from 2011 to 2025, representing the 21st District in the Naugatuck River Valley. Notable achievements include serving as Senate Republican Minority Leader from 2021 to 2024 and Ranking Member on committees such as Higher Education and Employment Advancement, Legislative Management, Aging, Insurance and Real Estate, and Children. He championed legislation making pregnancy a qualifying life event for health insurance enrollment and advocated for reforms in health care accessibility, Medicaid, aging in place, family caregivers, women's health, school safety, and consumer protection. Kelly was reelected in November 2024 but resigned in January 2025 to accept a gubernatorial nomination as a Superior Court judge; a special election filled the seat.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. from Assumption College , M.A. from Fairfield University , J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law .
• Professional Experience: Investigator for Connecticut Department of Social Services , associate at Zeldes, Needle & Cooper, P.C., partner at Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, LLC, Assistant Town Attorney for Stratford , and owner of Kevin Kelly & Associates specializing in elder law; Director Emeritus of Southwest Connecticut Agency on Aging.
• Political Experience: Ran for Connecticut House in 121st District ; State Senator ; Senate Republican Leader .