Brandi Mandato

Brandi Mandato was born in New Haven, Connecticut. She graduated from Hamden High School. She attended that University of New Haven. Her career experience includes working as a public servant.[1]

Brandi Mandato has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

If you are Brandi Mandato, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

Help improve [the profile publisher] - send us candidate contact info.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Greater New Haven, the grand-daughter of Italian American immigrants, I grew up in a working class family, the oldest of eight children, and have watched the people I love work hard to find stability and build beautiful lives in Connecticut. My upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of collaboration, resiliency, and an understanding of how to get people to work together toward a better tomorrow for all of us, even when we may have different goals and points of view.

I have spent my entire adult life fighting for systemic change that upholds the values I was taught in Connecticut including equitable access to quality jobs and catalytic education (including apprenticeships, trade schools, and higher education), reproductive rights, poverty alleviation, equity and dignity, evidence-based public safety, and ending mass criminalization and incarceration.

My career spans more than 20 years in economic and workforce development fighting for workers and learners. My expertise lives at the intersection of government (all levels), our education and workforce systems, and the private sector. In 2013, my work designing initiatives for dislocated workers during the 2008 recession was recognized by the Obama Administration as a best practice and in 2021, before moving back home, I was recognized by City & State NY as one of the most impactful people driving Economic Development in New York.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mental health is a priority for me, and I’m committed to breaking the stigma and providing support for all residents. As your State Senate candidate, I'll prioritize mental health services across populations, including children, veterans, parents, seniors, and trauma survivors. I'll work to address the mental health impacts of the COVID crisis and ensure that our schools have the resources they need to support students' mental health. Additionally, I'll focus on education equity, including universal Pre-K, equitable school funding, and closing the digital divide to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.I’m committed to boosting economic growth and creating jobs in District 34 and throughout Connecticut. As your State Senate candidate, I’m focused on workforce development initiatives that connect businesses with skilled talent. My approach includes fostering partnerships with industries, promoting apprenticeships, and ensuring affordable childcare for working families. I support skills-based hiring to match job seekers with the needs of businesses, and we're dedicated to investing in high-growth sectors like AI to secure the jobs of tomorrow.My priority is keeping our communities safe in District 34 and across Connecticut. I believe in evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of crime and promote prevention. As your State Senate candidate, I will advocate for appropriate staffing models that prioritize public health workers, education, and social services. I’ll invest in community development initiatives and youth employment programs to provide opportunities and support for our residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic and workforce justice, high-quality public education, a robust and competitive labor market, common sense gun legislation, climate justice and sustainability, and comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all- including reproductive rights.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Seeking elected office must come from a place of service to be effective. I've been a public servant for more than 20 years, leading programs and curating policy that helps all of us, regardless of party or political affiliation. I see the opportunity to serve as a state senator as an extension of that commitment.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at Maria's Pizza in North Haven, CT as a teenager. I did all the grunt work- grinding tomatoes to make sauce, folding pizza boxes, and cleaning out the grease trap. I learned more about work ethic, people, and community than I ever expected.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

SEIU 1199

Sierra Club

Young Democrats of CT

CT STATE BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL

AFL-CIO

CWA Local 1298

Unlock Higher Education

Reproductive Equity Now

Operating Engineers Continuing Political Committee, Local 478

Mental Health Now

CT Against Gun Violence

CSU-AAUP

Working Families Party

Planned Parenthood

AFT-CT