Vincent "Vin" Candelora is a Republican state representative for Connecticut's 86th Assembly District, which includes North Branford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, and Wallingford. Elected to his 10th term in November 2024, he serves as House Republican Leader since 2021, previously as Deputy Republican Leader from 2011-2020. A lawyer and business owner, he is recognized for advocating government transparency, tax relief, fiscal stability, and improving Connecticut's business climate, including key roles in bipartisan budgets like the 2017 agreement and a 2023 deal delivering $800 million in tax relief.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Law degree from Dickinson School of Law; served as Editor-in-Chief of the Dickinson Law Review.
• Professional Background: Attorney with Susman, Duffy and Segaloff; owner/manager of Connecticut Sportsplex; law clerk for Antoinette L. Dupont; former employee at Taconic Wire; President of North Branford Chamber of Commerce; former President of North Branford Rotary Club, where he led a centennial project building facilities at North Branford High School.
• Political Experience: Member of Connecticut House of Representatives since 2007; chairs House Republican Screening Committee; serves on committees including Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Public Health, General Law, and Legislative Management; former vice chair of North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals; treasurer of North Branford Republican Town Committee; served three terms on North Branford Town Council.
• Community Involvement: Active at St. Augustine Church and Saint Ambrose Parish .