Manny SanchezServing

Manny Sanchez

State HouseDemocrat

CT-HD-24 State House

Puerto Rican·State Representative (2021-present)

Why This Race Matters

Sanchez represents New Britain's heavily Puerto Rican community and won re-election in 2024 with 65.6% of the vote. As Co-Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and Assistant Majority Leader, he is a rising voice for working-class Latino families in Connecticut. His advocacy for the Borinqueneers memorial — the largest on the U.S. mainland — connects New Britain's Puerto Rican heritage to military service.

Current term ends January 2027. Won 2024 general election with 65.6% against Republican Alden Russell (34.1%) and independent Alfred Mayo (0.3%). Also endorsed by the Working Families Party. The 2026 Connecticut House elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. His uncle Bobby Sanchez was sworn in as New Britain's first Latino mayor in November 2025.

Key dates to watch: Primary on August 11, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Emmanuel "Manny" Sanchez is a Connecticut State Representative for the 24th District in New Britain. Born in Hartford and raised in New Britain by a single mother, he is a proud Puerto Rican whose two uncles served with the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers. He served ten years on the New Britain City Council before being elected to the state legislature in 2020. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and Assistant Majority Leader.

Family & Heritage

Puerto Rican. Raised in New Britain by a single mother who emphasized education and hard work. Two uncles served with the 65th Infantry Regiment (Borinqueneers), a segregated Puerto Rican unit in the U.S. Army. His uncle Bobby Sanchez became New Britain's first Puerto Rican mayor in 2025.

Political Career

Before Politics

New Britain City Council (10 years, including Assistant Majority Leader and Minority Leader); Head of Employer Relations at Goodwin College; Senior Development Officer at University of Hartford; Currently Director of Community Engagement and Industry Partnerships at University of Hartford

Education

B.A. in Urban and Community Planning from University of Connecticut

Key Issues & Priorities

*Labor protections
*Minimum wage increase
*Working-class family support
*Small business support
*Criminal justice reform
*Affordable housing
*Public school funding

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