Hilda SantiagoServing

Hilda Santiago

State HouseDemocrat

CT-HD-84 State House

Age 70·Puerto Rican (born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico)·Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, Connecticut House of Representatives (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Santiago is a trailblazing Latina leader in Connecticut, holding the highest leadership position ever achieved by a Latina in the CT House as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. Representing Meriden's working-class 84th District, she has served since 2013 and champions voting access, housing, and services for vulnerable communities. In 2022 she ran for Secretary of State seeking to become the first Hispanic person to win statewide office in Connecticut.

Won 2024 re-election. Her current term ends January 6, 2027. Co-authored a CT Mirror op-ed on 100% voter participation in February 2026, advocating for a task force to examine how Connecticut could reach near-total voter participation. Her 84th District task force bill passed the House but died on the Senate calendar on the last day of the 2025 session.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Hilda Santiago is a Democratic State Representative for Connecticut's 84th House District (Meriden), currently serving as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. Born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, her family relocated to Meriden during her senior year of high school. A community activist since 1990, Santiago became the first Puerto Rican woman to win an open seat in Meriden's City Council in 2005 and was elected to the state legislature in 2012. She is the first female and first Latina to serve as Assistant Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore in the Connecticut House, and has now advanced to Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore.

Family & Heritage

Born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico. Raised in New York City before her family moved to Meriden, Connecticut during her senior year of high school. Graduated from Orville H. Platt High School after the move. Mother of two children. Has been a strong advocate of civil and human rights and an avid supporter of Latino equality since her college years. Served as a translator and advocate for Spanish-speaking parents in the Meriden school system.

Political Career

Before Politics

Community activist in Meriden since 1990; Educator; Translator and advocate for Spanish-speaking parents in Meriden school system; 17-year member of Meriden Democratic Town Committee; Volunteer with United Way, YWCA, Child Guidance Clinic, Catholic Charities, Kiwanis, and Casa Boricua of Meriden

Education

Orville H. Platt High School (Meriden, CT); B.S. in Secondary Education from Southern Connecticut State University (majors in History and Latin American Studies)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Voter access and election reform (championed early voting and no-fault absentee ballots)
*Housing affordability and combating homelessness
*Services for seniors and children in working-class communities
*Civil and human rights
*Latino equality and representation
*Education access for immigrant families
*Programs providing safety nets for families in need
*100% voter participation initiative

Notable Legislation

Housing Cost Reduction Legislation

Co-sponsor of housing legislation to lower housing costs, increase housing options, and better support homeless persons

Early Voting and No-Fault Absentee Ballot Legislation

Championed early voting and no-fault absentee ballot legislation

100% Voter Participation Task Force Bill

Co-sponsored 100% voter participation task force bill

passed House

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