Steven King Jr. shares with Patch why he should be elected to serve the 14th State House District in South Windsor.
Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Oct 15, 2024 at 10:37 am ET
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.
Candidate’s Name: Steven King Jr.
What office are you seeking? State Representative
District: 14th
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Campaign website
What city or town do you live in? South Windsor
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: Penn State University (BS, Marketing); UCONN (MBA)
Occupation: Musician (30+ years)
Family: Wife: Carolyn May (Elementary Teacher - O'Brien STEM Academy), Daughter: Sofia May (Sophomore - University of Southern Maine), Son: Roman Marcellus (Freshman - South Windsor H.S.).
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective: Water Pollution Control Authority: 2020 - 2021; Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission: 2020 - 2021; Town Councilor (appointed): 2021; Deputy Mayor (elected): 2021 - 2023; Minority Leader (elected): 2023 - present
Age: 51
Why are you seeking this office?
It’s no secret that South Windsor is an amazing place to live, play, and do business. I’ve been proud to call South Windsor home for over a decade now. Whether you’re just starting a family or seeking excellent senior living, our community is nothing short of special. I’m running to be the next State Representative because I believe, this year, the stakes are too high for us to watch from the stands. For too long, we’ve settled for the default. As a public servant, a coach, a husband, and a dad, I know I’m not alone in feeling like we’re ready for a change. This campaign isn’t just about where we’ve been, but where we’re going. It’s about inspiring real change in Hartford that saves my fellow neighbors and their family money for whatever their goals might be. It’s about their home; our home.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
Connecticut’s most pressing issue is providing equitable and high-quality education for all students across the state. My plan is to introduce legislation that closes the achievement gap, ensures equitable funding for every school, and advocates for free breakfast and lunch for all families. I’ll work with educators and policymakers to bring more resources for mental health, anti-bullying programs, and academic support, creating a school environment where every student can thrive. As a parent and a leader, I’m committed to making all of Connecticut’s schools the best they can be.
There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?
As we live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, addressing traffic challenges requires tackling the root causes. My plan as a state lawmaker is to bring together key stakeholders—local government, transportation experts, and community members—to fully understand the issues and collaborate on solutions. To reduce the rise in traffic fatalities, I will support legislation aimed at improving roadway safety. This will include increased funding for road maintenance, targeted traffic enforcement in high-risk areas, and investment in smart traffic systems that can help prevent collisions. Pedestrian and cyclist safety is also a critical priority. By advocating for increased investment in infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks, we can ensure our roads are safe for everyone. South Windsor benefits from its proximity to Hartford, and as a state leader, I’m committed to diversifying transportation options for our community—making it easier for residents to access reliable and efficient alternatives to driving.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I moved to South Windsor nearly a decade ago, drawn by our incredible facilities, amenities, and top-tier schools. Over the years, I’ve become deeply involved in our community—as a parent, a travel soccer coach, a musician performing at Evergreen Walk concerts, and as South Windsor’s first elected Black Town Councilor in 2021. These experiences have shown me firsthand what makes South Windsor truly special and have strengthened my commitment to our town. Listening to residents, I sense a desire for new, proactive leadership and a fresh vision for South Windsor—one that embraces diversity and supports our rapidly growing school district. As a member of the majority in our legislature, I will be a dedicated leader focused on pressing issues and taking decisive action to ensure South Windsor receives its fair share of resources and support from the state. This is something I will be uniquely qualified to do. I’m committed to working tirelessly to secure the funding and resources necessary to keep our schools thriving and maintain our high quality of life.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As Executive Director for the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha, I managed operations across 11 states and several international regions, including Germany, South Africa, and the UK. This experience sharpened my leadership and decision-making skills, which I now apply as a Town Councilor in South Windsor. My ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex challenges has prepared me to effectively represent our district. Through my work on the Town Council, I have championed transparency and responsible development, demonstrating my commitment to serving our community. These experiences shape my vision for the major initiatives I aim to drive as your State Representative.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My campaign is centered on bringing a bold new vision to South Windsor, where we can honor our history while welcoming the families and residents moving to our town. Over the last 10 years, South Windsor has undergone significant changes, and it’s time we had a leader who represents where our community is heading. My conversations with residents have strengthened my belief that now is the right time for us to elect a new leader for this important position. As your State Representative, I will work diligently for bipartisan solutions to pressing issues like affordability, mental health, and support for our schools, leveraging my strong relationships with community and legislative leaders to effectively represent all South Windsor residents.