On August 17, a Special Election will be held for the 36th District Senate seat, vacated by Alex Kasser. We are doing a series with the candidates, to get to know them and their platforms. The first part, an interview with Democrat nominee Alexis Gevanter, is below. Stay tuned for more.
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a business attorney, gun violence prevention advocate and proud mom of two young boys. I’m from the Princeton, NJ area and live in Belle Haven with my husband Rob, who works in Greenwich, and sons Jamie (4) and Spencer (2). I’m a member of the Junior League, where I most recently served as the Community Matters Chair, and am an active nursery school volunteer.
What is your professional background, and how will that help you be effective in the State Senate?
I’ve spent my life advocating for others and creating positive change by listening and bringing people together to find common ground. As a business attorney, I advised companies on fair employment practices, including paid family leave, pay equity, nondiscrimination, and sexual harassment prevention, while helping them grow and remain profitable. As the CT State Chapter Leader of Moms Demand Action, I led an organization of 14,000 supporters, and my work led to the bipartisan passage of critical common sense gun violence prevention legislation to save lives, including a ban on ghost and 3D printed guns, safe storage requirements, and a modernized red flag law.
Why are you running for State senate?
I’m running to deliver public health and safety, prosperity and progress to Connecticut so we can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. Connecticut is already an incredible place to live with great schools, natural beauty, and thriving downtowns. It is also a state where our environment and our essential rights, including healthcare, women’s rights, and equality are protected and championed. I want to keep it that way!
What do you consider the most important issues for our area in the next few years?
To emerge from the pandemic even stronger, we must continue to grow our economy by bringing businesses and good paying jobs to Connecticut, lowering taxes (including repealing the estate tax), easing congestion, and addressing roadway noise and air quality. We also have to protect and enhance our rights, including making it easier for everyone to vote, safeguarding our environment, defending women’s rights, investing in education, and ensuring equal opportunity.
What else do you want parents in the community to know about you as a candidate?
As a mom, keeping our community safe is a top priority. Governor Lamont has done a great job navigating the pandemic, and I support following the science and remaining nimble to protect our families from Covid, while keeping our schools and businesses open. As State Senator, I will continue to advocate for common sense gun violence prevention measures, because it is imperative that our children remain safe in their schools and on their playgrounds, and will be a champion for fully funding our police. Our schools are among the best in the nation, and we need to invest in them to ensure our children continue to receive a top-notch education, have the resources they need to learn, and that our school buildings are well maintained. I will also focus on ensuring affordable childcare, which is so important for families.
Are there initiatives started by Alex Kasser you plan to continue, or pivot from, and why?
Alex Kasser was a strong advocate for women and children and I will continue to make that a priority. For example, I recently worked with her as the CT State Chapter Leader of Moms Demand Action to pass Jennifers’ Law, which protects women and children from domestic violence.
How can people learn more about you as a candidate? And anything else you’d like to share?
Please visit my website at AlexisGevanter.com and follow me on Facebook and Instagram (@AlexisforCT) and Twitter (@AlexisGevanter) for more information and updates. We are also hosting events daily — I would love to see you and answer any questions to earn your vote!
