Connor Burbridge

Connor Burbridge (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Rhode Island. He lost in the Democratic primary on September 9, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a working class Rhode Islander running to change the Democratic Party for the better. I am an elder-care employee and a small business owner who knows what it's like to struggle to pay bills. We need a new vision of the party that delivers for the hard working people of Rhode Island and stands up to mega-corporations and the ultra-wealthy.

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?

Tackling income inequality and the high cost of living.Restoring the rule of law and protecting democracy.Averting the climate crisis and building green infrastructure.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We need to radically rethink the economy so that it works for everyday people. The current system is rigged in favor of big business against the little guy.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I really look up to my grandparents, who have all passed away now. They were from hard-working immigrant families. They worked in factories and were proud union-members. My grandparents were able to establish a middle class life for our family and helped build this country. My one grandfather served in the Navy in WWII. They lived through tough times and their grit, resolve, humbleness, care, and joy in the small things in life inspire me every day.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Our Revolution; Working Lives: An Oral History of Rhode Island Labor; The Rise and Fall of the New Deal Order, 1930-1980

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

Humility - being representative of the people and understanding their problems. Integrity - sticking to your values even when it's tough. Teamwork - building a strong team to get the job done.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

A strong leader. I am willing to do whatever it takes to fight for hard-working people. I have lived firsthand the struggles that most Americans go through. I'm able to bring a strong team together to get a job done. I have the same values that my grandparents taught me: grit, resolve, humbleness, care, and joy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

1) To vigorously advance the interests of your constituents; 2) To be accessible to ordinary, hard-working people, not wealthy donors; and 3) To fight hard for what you believe in, putting it all on the line.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Making a difference in the lives of working-people. Making our country better. Making Rhode Islanders proud.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11, it inspired me at a young age to want to serve my community and country. Once I turned 18, I signed up to join the U.S. Army. Both my parents were laid off at the same time during the Great Recession. When my Dad told me he lost his job, he began to well up. It was one of the only times I ever saw him shed a tear.

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

I worked at a gas station store when I was in high school. I started at the register and then moved up to organizing the cooler when orders came in. Working in the cooler was great because it was quiet, and I could listen to music on my old iPod shuffle.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Whatever I'm currently reading. I'm always getting new books from the public library.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down."

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Mental Health is something that was really tough for me when I was younger. I'm really lucky to have supportive family, partner, and friends that have helped me get to the place where I am today.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Reconfiguring an economy that works for everyone. Passing and using new anti-trust laws to break up monopolies and spur competition. Providing relief to small businesses. Restructuring the tax code to make the rich pay their fair share.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We should have 18 year term limits for both congressional and judicial office. After 18 years, leaders can get stale and unresponsive to the people they are supposed to represent.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily. Being a career politician can warp someone's perspective and limit their knowledge of how life actually operates for their constituents.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bernie Sanders

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

I would scrutinize judicial nominees for their political independence and philosophy on constitutional interpretation. Any judge who uses originalism as a methodology should be automatically disqualified for seeking to impose a retrograde and deeply problematic view of the past on modern Americans.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

To aggressively uphold democracy from the attacks of the current administration.

What committees interest you?

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Environment and Public Works; Energy and Natural Resources; Committee on Appropriations.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Money in politics is one of the defining issues of our time. Too many politicians are bought and sold by wealthy donors and big corporations. We need take dark money out of elections so that the voice of working people can hold sway.