Research Outline

Millennial Politicians/Leaders in Connecticut

Goals

To obtain information on millennial politicians and state/municipal leaders in Connecticut. Specifically, to find out who they are, their social handles, what they stand for, and any other useful details about this cohort. Also, to obtain insights such as the number of millennial politicians in the state. This research would be used to interview/spotlight these figures and project Connecticut as an attractive place for millennials.

Early Findings

Will Haskell

  • Will Haskell, a millennial Democrat, "was elected to Connecticut’s state senate in November [2018] when he beat incumbent Republican Toni Boucher who had been serving longer than Haskell had been alive."
  • As of 2018, Haskell was 22 years old when he won his state senate seat. After he was sworn in January 2019, Haskell focused on employment policy and higher education. In April 2019, he introduced his first bill, aimed at improving "mental health prevention and treatment in higher education."
  • In an interview with ABC News, Haskell revealed: “I learn every day from my colleagues who are older and who have been there for a long time. Some of them have been there longer than I’ve been alive. So one thing I get to bring into our caucus room is a knowledge of how to reach the next generation.”
  • The millennial politician also said: “Bringing that perspective of the next generation is absolutely crucial and that is a big part of why I decided to run for office.”
  • Haskell can be found on the following social media platforms: Twitter @WillHaskellCT, Instagram @willhaskellforct, Facebook @WillHaskellforCT, YouTube — Haskell, and Flickr — Senator Will Haskell.