STRATFORD, Conn. — State Sen. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton, announced he is seeking reelection to the Connecticut State Senate in a press release issued Tuesday, while highlighting his record of defending local decision-making, addressing the skyrocketing cost of living, and working with members of both parties to protect the interests of the towns he represents.
“Serving the people of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford has been the honor of my life,” Perillo said. “I’m running for reelection because local voices matter — and I will always fight to make sure decisions affecting our towns are made by the people who live here, not by distant bureaucracies or unelected regional bodies.”
Perillo won the Senate’s 21st district seat in a special election in February of 2025 after former senator, Kevin Kelly, left the Senate to become a state Superior Court Judge. Prior to that, Perillo served in the House of Representatives for over a decade representing the City of Shelton.
Throughout his time in the legislature, Perillo has been an advocate for local control, particularly when it comes to zoning and land-use decisions. He has been outspoken in opposing recent state policies that shift affordable housing and zoning authority away from locally elected officials and into the hands of unelected regional agencies.
“I support affordable housing, but I firmly believe it must be planned responsibly and locally,” Perillo said. “One-size-fits-all mandates from Hartford undermine community character, strain infrastructure, and erode public trust. I will work to amend recently passed laws that weaken local zoning authority and restore decision-making to towns where it belongs. State Representative Tony Scott and I have been on the same page when it comes to this.”
Perillo has focused on spending time with Monroe residents and business-owners. His videos featuring local Monroe businesses have become visible on social media platforms. “The videos are great because I get to hear what local small business owners and their employees need,” he said. “At the same time, I get to promote their businesses. I really do enjoy it.”
Perillo also pointed to the increasing cost of living as a priority. “When state spending goes up, taxes tend to follow,” he said. “Couple that with rising energy costs and it has become more difficult to live and retire here.”
Perillo added that the state must properly fund local education and infrastructure projects to address rising property taxes. “Infrastructure investments should support communities,” Perillo said. “I’ve brought millions in Community Investment Funds to the district and I will continue to do so.”
Looking ahead, Perillo said his focus will remain on fiscal responsibility, public safety, support for seniors and families, and bipartisan efforts to ensure state policies empower — not weaken — municipal governments.
“I love serving Monroe,” Perillo said. “The First Selectman and his team at Town Hall, the Fire Department, the police, the Superintendents of Schools, the Chamber of Commerce and so many other organizations are great to work with. I’m proud to help in any way I can.”
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