About

Senior Deputy Senate Republican Leader Paul Cicarella, first elected in 2020, represents Connecticut’s 34th State Senate District, which includes the towns of Durham, East Haven, Northford, North Haven, and Wallingford. He is the leading Republican on the legislature’s General Law and Public Safety and Security Committees, and returns on the Regulations Review, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Judiciary Committees. He also serves on the legislature’s newly formed Government Oversight Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management.

Paul has led bipartisan legislative efforts to make Connecticut more affordable, most notably a historic tax relief package for Connecticut residents in 2023. He has been a strong advocate for public safety and has introduced and supported measures that address crime across the state. These measures include those that deter juvenile crime, prevent violent street takeovers, and track human trafficking data to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. Paul has also led other legislative efforts that benefit the lives of veterans, seniors, and children in the state.

A fierce proponent of job creation and career development, Paul advanced legislative concepts that provide opportunities for Connecticut residents to get training and access to well-paying careers. He supported the expansion of the Career Accelerator program for jobs in healthcare, trades, and advanced manufacturing while also providing high school students with financial literacy education. A steward for the environment, Paul has an outstanding record of fighting for, and offering solutions to reduce, the soaring cost of energy while conserving the state’s natural resources.

Paul is active in the community as a coach and sponsor of youth athletics. He was also honored to have been inducted into the East Haven Alumni Association Hall of Fame for his wrestling achievements. Paul is a founding member and advocate for the Joe Abate Charitable Foundation and is a member of A Kinder Ground of Wallingford’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the East Haven and Greater New Haven Chambers of Commerce. Paul is an emeritus member of the North Haven Republican Town Committee.

Paul grew up in East Haven and currently lives in North Haven with his wife, Christy; their two children, Giada and Paul, who attend North Haven public schools; and their bulldog. In addition to his duties as a State Senator, Paul is a local small business owner.

Recent Recognitions:

2024

• CT State Firefighters Association Award
• North Haven Sons & Daughters of Italy 2024 Distinguished Citizen

2023

• CT Police Chiefs’ Association Carroll J. Hughes Legislator of the Year
• Associated Builders & Contractors of CT Co-legislator of the Year Award
• Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs 2023 Legislative Champion Award
• CBIA 100 percent pro-business voting record on measures critical to the state’s business community and overall economic growth

2022

• Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Legislative Champion of the Year

2017

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Community Service Award