Robert Hyde

Robert Hyde was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Hyde served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2005.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Hartford and raised in Canton, Connecticut. I am a graduate of Canton High School and an alum of the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran who served honorably in Iraq in 2003. I am a passionate Republican candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. My journey began as a pre-9/11 war veteran who enlisted in 1999 while attending CCSU, driven by a strong sense of duty and service to his country.

After an illustrious six-year tenure in the United States Marine Corps, where I served in the Iraqi theater, I transitioned out of the service but never wavered in my commitment. I established a small business headquartered in Avon, CT, which rapidly grew.

My altruism extends beyond his business endeavors. I was pivotal in establishing the Toys for Tots presence in Farmington Valley, transforming the organization into a powerful force for good in the region. In my charitable efforts, I have raised over $200k for charity through various fundraisers.

I have a soft spot for animals, particularly my beloved German Shepherd, Thunder. I am an ardent advocate for animal rights, ensuring that no form of animal abuse is tolerated and that they receive the protection they deserve.

Another aspect of my character lies in my unwavering support for America First policies and my vision of renewing American greatness. I firmly believe that the residents of Connecticut and America deserve better.

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?

I’m asking for your vote because I have a deep commitment to our nation. With a background in diversity, I’m well-prepared to tackle the challenges we face. My values are rooted in inclusivity, aligning with the hopes and dreams of our constituents. I’m dedicated to America First policies through practical policy proposals. Transparency and accountability are my guiding principles. I promise to listen, be accessible, and lead with integrity. Together, we can shape a brighter future. Join me in this journey to make our community thrive. #VoteForChangeAs your candidate, I’m focused on unity and progress. I believe in bringing people together, not driving them apart. I aim to build bridges in our community with a positive and inclusive campaign. My vision is one of collaboration and problem-solving, where we work hand in hand to overcome our challenges. Your support can help us achieve this vision. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. #TogetherForProgressSecurity and prosperity for all is my third key message. I’m committed to creating a safe and thriving community. Through effective policies, we can enhance our security, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for every resident. My track record and dedication prove I’m the right choice to lead us toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Let’s build a community where everyone feels secure and can pursue their dreams. Your vote can make this vision a reality. #SecureProsperity

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As an "America First" candidate, I prioritize a set of policy areas to strengthen and prioritize American interests. These may include:

1. Economic Policy: Focusing on trade policies that protect American industries and jobs, promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign goods.

2. Immigration: Advocating for stricter immigration controls to protect jobs and resources for American citizens.

3. National Security: Supporting policies that enhance the country’s defense capabilities and protect national interests.

4. Foreign Policy: Promoting policies prioritizing American interests in international relations and agreements.

5. Healthcare: Working on healthcare reforms to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans.

6. Education: Advocating for educational policies prioritizing American students and preparing them for the job market.

7. Infrastructure: Investing in American infrastructure to boost job creation and economic growth.

8. Environment: Balancing environmental protection with economic interests to ensure sustainable practices.

9. Taxation: Advocating for tax policies that promote economic growth and protect American businesses and workers.

Please go to the “Issues” or “About” tab on www.HydeforSenate.com to learn more

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bo Knows Bo - Bo Jackson

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

Crossfire - Stevie Ray Vaughan

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Andrew Pollack - School Safety Activist

George Colella - Bikers for 45

Campaign website

Hyde’s campaign website stated the following:

Key Issues

Individual Liberties and Constitutional Rights

Protecting Constitutional Rights: Defend the First and Second Amendments and ensure all constitutional freedoms are upheld.

Election Integrity: Implement measures to ensure secure and fair elections.

Parental Rights

Ban all mandates that infringe on personal freedoms.

Protect women’s sports by ensuring fair competition.

Ban Critical Race Theory in schools.

Allow parents to audit school curriculums.

Economic Prosperity

Fair Trade Deals: Advocate for trade agreements that benefit American workers and businesses.

Energy Independence: Promote policies that make the U.S. energy independent and reduce reliance on foreign oil.

America First: Encourage policies that prioritize buying and hiring American.

Regulation Reform: Eliminate regulations that stifle business growth and innovation.

Job Creation: Bring back overseas jobs and manufacturing to revitalize local economies.

BORDER SECURITY

Finish The Wall: Complete the border wall to enhance national security.

Reinstate Title 42: Maintain public health protections at the border.

Support Border Patrol: Provide resources and support to border patrol agents.

Combat Trafficking: Stop human and drug trafficking through strengthened enforcement.

Remain in Mexico Program: Reinstate policies that ensure secure and orderly immigration processes.

Educational Reform

School Choice: Support policies that give parents the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children.

Vocational Training: Bring trades back to school to prepare students for high-demand jobs.

Ban Child Grooming in Schools: Protect children from inappropriate content and influences.

Funding Flexibility: Ensure that education funding follows the student, including for homeschooling.

Job Readiness: Strengthen vocational schools and job readiness programs to align with market needs.

Social Policies and Health

Fix the VA and Social Security: Reform the Veterans Affairs system and ensure the sustainability of Social Security.

Combat Drug Crisis: Address the opioid, fentanyl, and broader drug crisis through comprehensive strategies.

Religious Freedom: Ensure that religious practices are respected and not targeted.

Healthcare Reform: Lower prescription drug and healthcare prices to make healthcare more affordable.

Veteran Support: Provide extended support to military veterans and their families.

Foreign Policy

Scrap the Iran Deal: Terminate agreements that do not benefit national security.

America First Foreign Policy: Avoid nation-building and prioritize U.S. interests.

Strong Military: Maintain a powerful military to protect American interests.

Global Accountability: Hold nations like China and Russia accountable for their actions.

Allies Support: Stand with key allies, including Israel and Ukraine, to promote global stability.

Science, Technology, and Environment

Big Tech Accountability: Ensure tech companies respect free speech and privacy.

Promote Exploration: Support space and underwater exploration to advance scientific knowledge.

Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration with NASA and other agencies for innovation.

Surveillance Oversight: Hold the government accountable for unwarranted surveillance.

Alternative Energy: Explore alternative energy sources without stifling economic growth.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Support Law Enforcement: Back the blue and first responders with necessary resources.

Drug-Related Crimes: Increase penalties for fentanyl and other drug-related offenses.

Community Safety: Unify behind law enforcement to support crime victims and ensure public safety.

Combat Organized Crime: Fight against MS-13 and other groups that threaten community safety.[2]

—Robert Hyde’s campaign website (2024)[3]

Robert Hyde did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Robert Finley Hyde is an U.S. Marine Corps Iraqi war veteran and Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District. Grew up in Canton Connecticut and started a small business while attending CCSU. Went to Iraq while in the Marines in 2003. Came home and grew the company to just about a hundred employees. Robert Hyde is an ardent support of our duly elected president, President Trump, and his agenda of renewing American Greatness. Robert believes the residents of northwestern Connecticut in the Fifth District deserve better than their current - and past - leadership. There is no one more better than Robert Hyde to represent CT-5.

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?

National SecurityDrugsVeterans

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'd like to focus on foreign policies like the threat from al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ending the war in Iraq responsibly. Keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorist. Promoting peace and security in Israel and the Middle East. Maintaining core American values. Ensuring energy security and fighting climate change.

I would also like to focus drug policies. And strengthen efforts to prevent drug use in communities Seek early intervention opportunities in health care. Integrate treatment for substance use disorders into health care, and expand support for recovery. Break the cycle of drug use, crime, delinquency, and incarceration. Disrupt domestic drug trafficking and production

And strengthen international partnerships

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

Honor, integrity, courage, tact, dependability.

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

Judgement, justice, dependability, integrity, decisiveness, tact, initiative, endurance, bearing, courage, knowledge, loyalty and energy.

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

Congress has five main functions. Lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, and educating the public.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The best legacy to leave is that people felt like you were a loving person. There is a wise saying, "People won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel."

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bo Knows Bo. Amazing story. A lot of heart.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

James Bond

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

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Congress is the legislative arm of our government and its job is to make laws.

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

No Congress is to represent the popular will of the people and to serve two terms. It was never designed to be a career.

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

Cyber security, healthcare, student loans and divisiveness.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations, Armed Services, Commerce, Science and Transportation

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think term limits would be best for America. Congress would be more for their constituents and less fro special interest. Term limits are supported by most of America. They are opposed primarily by incumbent politicians and the special interest groups which depend on them. Term limits would get rid of many of America's most serious political problems by counterbalancing incumbent advantages, ensuring congressional turnover, securing independent congressional judgment, and reducing election related benefits.

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

Jim Jordan, Ted Yoho, Dan Crenshaw

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

SOUTHINGTON - Back in October, FOX 61 told the story of Billy Perry, 14, of Southington who got his "Make America Great Again" hat stolen at the Apple Harvest Festival.

Perry believed it was the message on the hat the thieves did not like.

"I definitely got a lot of dirty looks," said Perry.

Months later, the hat ended up slightly damaged at the Lost and Found at the Southington Police Department. However, he received an unexpected surprise Saturday night at Renaldo's on Queen Street.

A man named Robert Hyde gave Perry a brand new hat with President Trump's autograph on it.

"This is pretty cool. Not a lot of people have it, so I guess I'm special now," added Perry.

Hyde said he met the President during the campaign and after hearing Perry's story on FOX 61, he asked a staffer of Trump International if the President can sign the hat.

"I mean, it's horrible. Who does that? Take somebody else's property and calls him a racist and judges a kid," said Hyde of Avon.

When FOX 61 asked Perry how he became a fan of Trump, he said his courageness to speak out on sensitive issues inspired him.

"Just his ability to say what he wants and what he can do and honestly, the main reason I like him is because he was a lot better than the other candidates," added Perry.

In addition, Perry was also given a gift certificate to Renaldo's and while he wishes to become a pilot as a possible future career, he said he is not going to rule out being a politician.