Following the news that State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-98) has formed an exploratory committee for a possible run for state comptroller this year, two local Democrats have expressed interest in seeking the Assembly District seat, which serves southern Guilford and a portion of southeast Branford. Andy Gottlieb has officially declared his candidacy for the seat, while current Board of Education (BOE) member Moira Rader has filed the paperwork to explore a campaign for state office, with a focus on state representative for the 98th District.

Andy Gottlieb

Gottlieb, a 28-year-old progressive Democrat, announced earlier this month his candidacy for the 98th House District. Gottlieb previously sought the Democratic nomination for the 12th State Senate District in 2018. Gottlieb is preparing to run for state representative should Scanlon vacate his seat.

“I will fight to make Connecticut a more just, democratic, and equitable place to live,” said Gottlieb. “There’s no shortage of issues to work on: climate change, racial justice, educational equity, gun violence prevention, electoral reform, universal healthcare, transportation, labor rights, fair budgeting and more. I pledge to pursue bold, progressive action on all these fronts, including raising taxes on the wealthy, moving Connecticut to a renewable and more sustainable power grid and at long last implementing real desegregation.”

Gottlieb said his choice to run is based simply on service to his community.

“I want to make a positive difference. And the most direct way to do that is passing legislation,” said Gottlieb.

According to Gottlieb, he has strong legislative process experience, having served as an intern in the U.S. Senate for Chris Murphy and a trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels. He was also an election officer at the Australian Consulate-General in New York.

“I have a lot of legislative experience,” Gottlieb said, citing the above examples. “This is something I’m very in tune with. I love getting into the details of bills and public policy. I am for fighting for progressive public policy that actually makes a real difference.”

Gottlieb said his run is predicated on Scanlon’s decision; he would not seek the 98th Assembly District seat if Scanlon does indeed make the choice to not seek higher office.

Climate change and racial justice are issues about which Gottlieb feels strongly.

“I think these are things that really can’t wait. The national political climate remains extremely worrying, between an emboldened and authoritarian Republican Party seeking to reclaim power by any means and a hamstrung federal government,” Gottlieb added. “That only underlines the importance of making state-level progress wherever possible.”

Gottlieb highlights his experience as a founding member of the Guilford Human Rights Commission, for which he received the Community Peacemaker Award in 2020 from the United Nations Day of Peace Planning Committee in Guilford. During his two-year term, the commission took action to help remove the racist high school mascot, promote racial equity in schools, and stand against hate and discrimination. Gottlieb is a member of the Democratic Town Committee.

Gottlieb also spoke of his legal action as the lead plaintiff in the voting rights lawsuit Gottlieb v. Lamont, seeking to strike down Connecticut’s ballot access laws, which he describes as the most restrictive in the nation.

Gottlieb said he currently conducts research and congressional advocacy in the human rights non-profit field. The candidate grew up in Guilford and was co-valedictorian of his high school class. He graduated from Wesleyan University and went on to receive his master’s in international relations and economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, according to his bio.

Gottlieb’s website (including a detailed platform) can be found at andyct.org.

Moira Rader

A current BOE member, Rader said she is ready to serve if Scanlon leaves for higher office.

“I am thrilled at the possibility to serve Guilford and Branford in the General Assembly,” said Rader. “There is so much potential to create public policy for the common good. I want to see greater strides made on education, energy, climate change, healthcare, economic development, and housing, to name just a few.”

According to Rader, she hails from a family of educators and cites her service on the BOE and commitment to education as a defining experience. Prior to being elected to the Guilford BOE in 2016, she served on the A.W. Cox PTO Advisory Board for several years and taught K-3 religious education at St. George Church in Guilford, according to her bio.

Rader said her decision to run was largely based on feedback from constituents.

“After serving on the BOE for four plus years…I’ve really come to understand and learn about not only educational issues, but about other concerns in the community. One of the great things that came out of our campaign was knocking on hundreds of doors and making phone calls and hearing from constituents not just about their educational concerns, but the other concerns as well, Rader said. “I feel like I’m ready for it, and I know I’m qualified for it, and I’m excited for this potential opportunity.”

Rader said she would not consider running for the 98th Assembly District seat if Scanlon opts to not seek higher office.

“Sean has been an incredible representative for Guilford and parts of Branford. He has done amazing work and he has an incredible legacy of accomplish. He is a friend and colleague and I would step aside if he decided to remain in that seat,” Rader said.

Serving her second term, Rader said she is particularly proud of the work the BOE has accomplished in the last four years, including, “strengthening focus on social and emotional wellness, supporting curriculum that speaks to every student’s potential, and reaffirming a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

“It is an honor to serve on the BOE, working to further enrich an already thriving Guilford public school system, which consistently sits among the top school districts statewide,” said Rader. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that our schools are places of innovation, engagement, inspiration and respect. And I would bring that commitment to the State Legislature for the benefits of all Connecticut families.”

Rader holds a B.A. in Art & Art History from Villanova University and a master’s degree in historic preservation from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture. She has practiced in the fields of architecture and design for more than 20 years.

According to Rader, her knowledge of the district would make her an ideal candidate for the seat if it becomes open.

“I understand what the issues are, and I believe I am very approachable and versed on the things that really matter to this district,” said Rader.

Rader resides in Guilford with her husband Peter; their four children, son Paedar and daughters Maeve, Mairead, and Muiriel; and their dog Fionnuala.

For more information, email raderforct22@gmail.com.