Representative Minnie Gonzalez ** represents Connecticut's 3rd District in the State House, serving Hartford since 1997 as one of the longest-serving Latino legislators in the state. Born Guillermina Gonzalez on August 4, 1950, in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, to a family of seven siblings, she graduated from Adjuntas High School and migrated to the United States in 1981. As a single mother of two sons and a daughter, she faced challenges as a woman and minority but drew inspiration from her mother, Virginia, to advocate for underprivileged communities. Before entering politics, she worked as a Special Deputy Sheriff in West Hartford Superior Court and as Assistant Registrar of Voters. Elected as a Town Committee Member in 1986, she joined the legislature in 1996. Notable achievements include securing millions in funding for education, housing, youth services, and quality-of-life improvements in Hartford; past leadership roles such as Assistant Majority Leader , Assistant Majority Whip , Deputy Majority Whip-at-Large , and Chief Majority Whip; and current position as **Deputy Speaker. She serves on the Appropriations, Public Safety, Legislative Management, and Housing Committees, tirelessly advocating for those unable to represent themselves.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Adjuntas High School in Puerto Rico.
• Political Experience: Town Committee Member ; State Representative for District 3 ; leadership positions including Deputy Speaker , Chief Majority Whip, Deputy Majority Whip-at-Large, Assistant Majority Whip, and Assistant Majority Leader; active in numerous campaigns and community involvement focused on education, housing, and public safety.