WEST HAVEN — City firefighter Mike Southworth is seeking the Republican nomination to run for state Senate in the 14th District, which includes Milford, Orange and parts of West Haven and Woodbridge, according to a campaign press release.
The seat currently is held by James Maroney of Milford, a popular Democrat.
“I have spent my career as a first responder serving and protecting the residents of West Haven and our surrounding communities,” Southworth said in the release. “Right now, I along with many first responders and healthcare professionals are on the front lines of the Coronavirus outbreak. This is uncharted territory for many of us and I understand the challenges our neighbors, communities, state, and country are facing, but we will work together to overcome this battle and win this war against the Coronavirus.”
Southworth said his top priorities will be “helping residents and businesses through these difficult times, working to create a more affordable Connecticut, and reducing unnecessary taxes placed on businesses.”
Southworth is a full-time firefighter at the West Haven Fire Department, where he has spent 19 years, and in 2014 was awarded the Medal of Merit for rescuing a citizen who fell through ice, the release said.
Before joining the department, Southworth was a paramedic and, earlier, an emergency medical technician at American Medical Response, according to the release.
From 2016 to 2018, Southworth was president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1198 West Haven Professional Firefighters, the release said. He also helps coach a Milford Babe Ruth fall softball team.
Southworth can be contacted by email at [email protected]