Jamie Vaughan

Jamie Vaughan has served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a high school diploma from E.C. Goodwin Technical School. His professional experience includes working as a graphic designer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jamie Vaughan, and I'm a proud lifelong resident of New Britain, a United States Marine Corps veteran, and the elected Constable for the City of New Britain. Service has always been a big part of who I am, whether it was serving my country, my community, or helping people when they need it most.

For more than 25 years, I've worked alongside businesses, municipalities, and law enforcement throughout Connecticut. Those experiences have taught me the importance of accountability, communication, and finding practical solutions instead of making excuses. I also had the privilege of serving on the New Britain Veterans Commission, where I worked to support local veterans and honor their service.

I'm running for State Representative because I believe the people of New Britain deserve someone who will listen, be accessible, and always put the community first. I believe in safe neighborhoods, responsible spending, protecting our constitutional rights, supporting our veterans and first responders, and creating opportunities for families and small businesses to succeed.

I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do promise to work hard, be honest, and never forget who I was elected to represent.

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?

1. Bring Jobs and Businesses Back

For too long, Connecticut has made it harder for businesses to succeed. High taxes, rising costs, and too much government have pushed employers out of our state. I want to change that. We should be making it easier to open a business, expand one, and create good-paying jobs right here in New Britain. When businesses do well, our families do well, and our city grows stronger.2. Put Public Safety First

Nothing else matters if people don't feel safe in their own neighborhoods. I will always stand behind our police, firefighters, EMS, and first responders while making sure criminals are held accountable. We don't need more laws that punish law-abiding citizens. We need to enforce the laws we already have and make our communities safer for everyone.3. Make Connecticut Affordable Again

People are tired of paying more and getting less. Whether it's electric bills, groceries, housing, or taxes, families are feeling the squeeze every day. I want to focus on the issues that affect people's everyday lives and make Connecticut a place where families can afford to stay, businesses can grow, and our kids have a reason to build their future here instead of somewhere else.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals by creating opportunities for good-paying jobs and making Connecticut more business-friendly. When businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen our economy, and give families a better future. I also believe public safety is one of government's most important responsibilities. Every family deserves to live in a safe neighborhood where they can raise their children, enjoy a good quality of life, and feel secure. By supporting businesses, creating jobs, and keeping our communities safe, we can build a stronger future for New Britain and Connecticut.

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

I have always looked up to President John F. Kennedy. I believe he was a president who truly cared about the American people and inspired others to serve their country. His leadership, patriotism, and belief that government should work for the people are values I admire and hope to follow in my own public service.

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

I believe an elected official should be honest, approachable, and accountable to the people they represent. Too many politicians make promises during election season and forget about them once they're in office. I believe in keeping my word, listening to residents, working hard, and making decisions based on what's best for the community. At the end of the day, elected officials work for the people, not for themselves or special interests.

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

The core responsibility of a State Representative is to represent the people of their district, not special interests or political parties. That means listening to residents, being accessible, and voting for policies that improve their lives. A State Representative should work to create good-paying jobs, support public safety, protect taxpayers, and make Connecticut a more affordable place to live and raise a family. Above all, they should be honest, accountable, and always put the people they represent first.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I made a positive difference in people's lives. Whether it was helping someone find an opportunity, making our neighborhoods safer, or standing up for what I believed was right, I want to be remembered as someone who served with honesty, integrity, and a genuine desire to leave New Britain and Connecticut better than I found them.

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

My first job was at the New Britain YMCA. I started there as a volunteer for several years before becoming a Leader in Training (LIT). From there, I worked as a camp counselor for a couple of years and was eventually hired to work at the Youth Department desk. In total, I was involved with the YMCA for about five years. It taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and giving back to my community at an early age.

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

I've had my share of struggles like anyone else, but I've never let them define me. One of the biggest lessons I learned in the United States Marine Corps was to improvise, adapt, and overcome. I've tried to live by that ever since. When challenges come my way, I focus on finding a solution, learning from the experience, and moving forward instead of giving up. I believe that's one of the reasons I've been able to accomplish the goals I've set for myself.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

I believe the most important responsibility of a State Representative is to represent the people who elected them. That means listening to residents, being accessible, and voting based on what's best for the district, not special interests or political pressure. It also means working to create opportunities for good-paying jobs, supporting public safety, protecting taxpayers, and making Connecticut a more affordable place to live. Above all, a State Representative should be honest, accountable, and always remember they work for the people.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

I think many people don't realize that a State Representative does much more than vote on bills. Representatives serve on committees where legislation is shaped, amended, and sometimes stopped before it ever reaches the House floor. They also have an important responsibility to help residents navigate state government, connect them with resources, and make sure their voices are heard in Hartford. I believe those responsibilities are just as important as casting votes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

-Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)

-Connecticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL)

-New Britain Republican Town Committee (NBRTC)

-Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Connecticut (RNHA)

-8th Ward Political Club of New Britain

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The first historical event I clearly remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I was in fifth grade when we watched the launch at school. Like millions of Americans, I was shocked when the shuttle exploded. It was a heartbreaking moment that showed how quickly history can unfold and is something I have never forgotten.

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