By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
On March 10, the College Democrats hosted state senate candidate and interdisciplinary studies major Justin Farmer, a junior, to discuss his campaign for the 92nd district seat in New Haven.
Farmer is running for state representative because he believes the issues he works on locally could be more effectively addressed at the state level.
“Most municipalities do not have the same power as the state,” Farmer said.
Farmer first ran for public office almost 10 years ago and has served on the Hamden Town Council for six years.
Farmer explained that many local issues hit a wall because state representatives are not advocating strongly enough for the concerns that matter most to their community. He hopes to change that if elected.
“Most cultural and social-level change happens at state level, and it is up to state to make that happen,” Farmer said.
Currently serving as a local official in New Haven, Farmer said that a position in the state legislature would give him the authority to address issues affecting residents.
“Now, I will have authority to speak on these issues,” Farmer said.
The state position would give Farmer the opportunity to pursue policy changes without being restricted by jurisdictional limitations that exist at the municipal level.
One of the main issues Farmer spoke to students about was the increasing cost of housing and education. He pointed to Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed budget, which includes cuts to higher education funding, directly impacting students.
When asked how he would address affordability in the 92nd district, Farmer suggested that higher-income residents in Connecticut could play a role in funding solutions.
Identifying himself as a socialist candidate, Farmer said he wants to rethink how the state approaches economic policy.
“I want to throw a lot of ideas at the law and see what will stick because we know it all won’t,” Farmer said.
Farmer addressed his opponent, Eli Sabin, who recently visited the university.
Farmer is now one of two young, progressive challengers attempting to replace incumbent Pat Dillon.
Concerns were raised about whether their campaigns will split voters in a time where unity is a necessary strategy. Farmer said that the main issue in the upcoming election is this competitive mindset.
“If I split the vote, it is because the Democratic party can’t motivate people,” Farmer said.
He emphasized that there is room for both candidates in Connecticut politics and said that the conversation around elections needs to change.
“There is space for both of us. We have to start thinking not about winning and losing, but about how we are changing the culture of voting. Candidates who challenge issues are the most important,” Farmer said.
Farmer said that the conversation around vote-splitting does more harm than good when trying to enact real change and encourage political engagement.
“If we win, great. We are still going to keep doing the work. It’s about people getting excited. We all win when people get excited about politics,” Farmer said.
Farmer said he plans to remain within the Democratic party despite ideological differences.
“Democrats do not consider me a Democrat; I am a socialist,” Farmer said. “But there is a spectrum of ideology within the party.”
Despite the uncertainty of the race, Farmer said he views the campaign as an opportunity to shift political conversations.
“Even if I don’t win, if all I contribute is moving the conversation, then that is a win. If people aren’t ready, they aren’t ready. People are now closer to being ready to have these conversations,” Farmer said.
Political science major Cynthia Sanchez, a junior and the president of College Democrats, said the event was part of the club’s efforts to expose students to different candidates and encourage civic engagement.
“I think the day went very well. We were able to show two sides of the ballot, which is amazing,” Sanchez said. “Hopefully, we can have Pat Dillon in, and we hope to set up a community forum with all three candidates.”
Sanchez added that the club hopes to serve as a bridge between students and the surrounding community.
“We want members to know that this club is worth your time, and that you can get so much out of it. We want to be the bridge for people to contribute to the community,” Sanchez said.
Political science major Carlos Agüero Echevarría, a junior and secretary of College Democrats, said that he is inspired by Farmer’s candidacy.
“It’s great to see another young, ambitious candidate, but I feel like Justin Farmer feels unprecedented with his authenticity, with his age, ambition and advocacy, which is extremely needed in the democratic party,” Echevarría said
