Name and Biographical Information:
Tony Afriyie is a dedicated advocate for Connecticut’s working families. A current Town Councilor from Stratford, he has a proven record of bipartisan leadership and community service. Anthony is committed to making government work for the people and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Born in the Bronx, NY, and raised in Stratford, CT, Tony is a first-generation American with roots in Ghana, West Africa. Guided by the values of hard work and community instilled by his immigrant parents, Tony has dedicated his life to public service.
A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in political science, Tony recently completed his master’s in public administration, specializing in urban development and sustainability, at Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.
After graduating during the pandemic, Anthony served with AmeriCorps NCCC, contributing to disaster recovery, conservation efforts, and urban development across states like Colorado, Louisiana, and Missouri. Working alongside organizations like the National Guard and the Red Cross, he witnessed the power of collaboration and community resilience.
Tony’s professional journey has been shaped by diverse and impactful roles. He has interned with the City of Bridgeport Small Minority and Women Business Enterprise, former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, the Connecticut General Assembly, and worked for prominent leaders in Congress, like U.S. Representatives John B. Larson and Rosa DeLauro.
Currently, Anthony serves as a Congressional Staffer, bringing his dedication, empathy, and experience to legislative work that directly benefits the residents of Connecticut.
What are your qualifications for this position?
I have a wealth of public service, education, and public policy experience. A former AmeriCorps NCCC member, I served during the pandemic, earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award for leadership in volunteer service. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Connecticut State University and earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs of Baruch College. After my national service, I worked for two congressional offices serving U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro and U.S. Representative John B. Larson.
These experiences have prepared me for a move to the state senate by providing me direct insight into the legislative process, public policy development, and the importance of bipartisan collaboration. In these roles, I’ve worked closely with local and state officials to help deliver millions of dollars in federal investment into our communities. Additionally, as a district staffer, I have engaged with community stakeholders, addressing key issues that affect Connecticut residents—skills that are directly transferable to a state legislative role. My time with Rep. Larson and Rep. DeLauro, both strong advocates for working families, have further reinforced my commitment to responsive governance.
The 21st District includes Shelton, Monroe, Seymour, and Stratford. Each town has their own unique issues and “asks” from the State of Connecticut to serve their constituents. How do you plan to serve these very different 4 towns?
I would advocate for targeted funding and policies that address each town’s distinct priorities while also fostering regional collaboration to maximize state investment. Shelton’s economic growth, Monroe’s education needs, Seymour’s infrastructure improvements, and Stratford’s shoreline concerns all require tailored state support. At the same time, these towns share common challenges such as education funding, economic development, and public safety. By promoting partnerships among local governments and stakeholders, I would work to ensure efficient resource allocation and coordinated solutions that benefit the entire district. By listening, advocating, and working collaboratively, I would ensure all four towns get the attention and support they deserve.
What specifically will you do for Stratford? (i.e., Sen. Kelly requested and provided funding for the Shakespeare property and for Housatonic River clean up)
I will champion Stratford’s economic revival by fostering a climate where businesses can thrive , ensuring that Main Street and Lordship Boulevard become vibrant centers of commerce and opportunity. This prosperity must also extend to our schools, where our children’s education is not merely a local concern but a matter of our collective future, demanding the resources and support necessary to cultivate excellence. But we must also make sure to maintain and preserve the historic soul of Stratford, its parks, and its neighborhoods, ensuring that growth does not erode the very essence of what makes this town a cherished home for generations past, present, and future.
Economic Development: What specific policies would you advocate for to support small businesses and economic growth in our communities and across Connecticut?
I will advocate for targeted tax incentives that empower entrepreneurs, ensuring that our local businesses are not overshadowed by corporate enterprises but are instead given the space to grow and prosper. Access to capital must no longer be the privilege of a few; I will push for expanded small business loan programs and grants, particularly for startups and minority-owned enterprises.
But economic growth is not sustained by policy alone—it is driven by the skills of our people. I will champion workforce development initiatives that equip our citizens with the training required to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Our education system must be aligned with the industries of the future, forging partnerships between schools, vocational programs, and businesses to ensure that our workforce is prepared, capable, and competitive.
Above all, I will stand for an economic policy rooted in fairness and opportunity—where no town is left behind, where prosperity is not a privilege but a shared destiny, and where the spirit of enterprise is not hindered but unleashed to its full potential.
Transportation & Infrastructure: How will you address traffic congestion, public transportation improvements, and infrastructure needs in the district?
Addressing traffic congestion, improving public transportation, and investing in infrastructure across the district requires bold, data-driven solutions that put mobility, safety, and sustainability at the forefront.
First, we need smarter streets. I will push for investments in modern traffic management systems that reduce congestion through adaptive signal technology and real-time traffic monitoring. We can ease bottlenecks by redesigning high-traffic corridors, optimizing intersections, and ensuring road improvements prioritize efficiency and safety for all users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
I will fight for a long-term infrastructure plan that prioritizes not just repairs, but resilience—fixing what’s broken while designing for the future. Complete Streets policies should guide our development, ensuring that investments in roads also include safer pedestrian crossings, protected bike lanes, and accessibility improvements.
It’s time to stop treating transportation as an afterthought and start building a district that moves people—not just cars—efficiently, equitably, and sustainably.
Education & Funding: How would you work to ensure that local schools receive adequate funding and that students in the district have access to high-quality education?
Ensuring that our schools receive the resources they need and that students have access to high-quality education is not just a policy issue—it is a moral imperative and an investment in our collective future. As a proud Stratford Public Schools graduate, class of 2015, I know what students and teachers need to succeed and I’m committed to fighting for them in Hartford.
First, we must advocate for the fair distribution of state education funds, ensuring that no district is left behind due to systemic inequities. I will work tirelessly to secure increased funding for schools, with an emphasis on addressing the disparities that exist between wealthier and underfunded districts. This includes advocating for policies that target resource allocation where it is most needed—whether that’s increasing access to advanced coursework, enhancing special education services, or expanding extracurricular opportunities that support students’ holistic development.
In addition, I will champion the need for innovative educational programs that prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. This means supporting initiatives in STEM education, digital literacy, and vocational training, as well as enhancing partnerships between schools, businesses, and higher education institutions. We must equip students not just with knowledge, but with the skills, critical thinking, and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Housing: What policies would you advocate for to make housing more affordable and help residents deal with the rising cost of living in Connecticut?
The challenges of housing affordability and the high cost of living are not merely economic issues—they are a matter of human dignity and opportunity.
First, I will advocate for expanding the supply of affordable housing through a combination of state incentives and private-sector partnerships. By offering tax incentives and low-interest loans for the development of affordable housing, we can encourage builders to meet the growing demand without sacrificing quality or community integrity. At the same time, I will work to streamline the permitting process, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that delay housing construction and inflate costs.
I will also push for property tax relief for working families and seniors on fixed incomes, ensuring that residents are not priced out of the communities that they built due to rising tax burdens.
At the core of all these efforts is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home. Housing is the foundation of opportunity and the cornerstone of a thriving community. I am committed to ensuring that Connecticut residents have access to that foundation, no matter their income level.
Public Safety & Community Well-being: What measures would you support to enhance public safety and address issues like crime, emergency response times, and community policing?
First and foremost, we must strengthen community policing efforts. It is essential to build trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community. Community policing is not just a strategy—it’s a philosophy that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability. I will support policies that encourage officers to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and be seen as partners in the fight against crime. I’ll also push for workforce training programs for police, so that kids from our district are equipped to join departments in their communities. By ensuring law enforcement agencies reflect the diverse communities they serve, we create an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and safe.In addition to community policing, we must address crime prevention through targeted initiatives that focus on the root causes of criminal behavior—lack of opportunity, systemic inequities, and inadequate social services. I will advocate for more investment in programs that provide mental health support, job training, and educational opportunities to at-risk youth and families. By preventing crime before it starts, we create safer communities where individuals have pathways to success rather than a life of involvement with the criminal justice system.
Environmental & Coastal Protection: With coastal communities in the district facing climate-related challenges, how would you address environmental concerns such as flooding, coastal erosion, and sustainability efforts?
First, we must prioritize comprehensive flood mitigation and coastal resilience strategies. This includes securing federal and state funding for the construction and enhancement of flood barriers, seawalls, and natural buffers, such as wetlands, that help absorb the impacts of rising sea levels and storm surges. In Stratford, we had an opportunity to be proactive in this area. Back in 2013, the Town of Stratford produced a coastal resiliency plan – but it sat idle for 11 years. In my first year on the Council, we made a conscious decision to prioritize coastal resilience, and we approved $16.7M for a flood wall to protect our sewage treatment plant from powerful storms and rising sea levels.
On a state level, I took my passion for our coastal resiliency when I was appointed to the Connecticut Environmental Justice Advisory Council. There, I advocate for policies and initiatives that promote environmental justice, enhance public health, and ensure that all Connecticut residents can enjoy clean air, water, and land.
In the Senate, I will advocate for expanding programs that provide communities with the tools and resources necessary to protect their infrastructure from the destructive forces of flooding and erosion. We must also invest in the restoration of our coastal ecosystems like wetlands, dunes, and other critical habitats, so we can enhance the natural resilience of our coastline while safeguarding biodiversity.
In the fight against climate change, I will support legislation that encourages renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure. By promoting clean energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we’ll address the root causes of climate change and also create new economic opportunities for our coastal district. These efforts will help protect the long-term health of our environment and create jobs that are sustainable and resilient in the face of future challenges.
Good luck. U deserve it.