05/21/2026
My name is Dr. Angelina Wagner, though most people know me as Lina.
Yesterday, I officially received the endorsement of the Democratic convention delegates for Connecticut’s 51st District in my campaign for State Representative.
I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful for the trust and support that has been placed in me.
This decision did not come lightly. It is rooted deeply in both my life experiences and my belief in what our communities deserve and are capable of becoming.
I was not born into privilege, political connections, or stability. I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and raised between homelessness, instability, food insecurity, and survival. After being denied a traditional education for much of my childhood, I eventually learned to read later in life, worked my way through multiple industries while raising a family, and went on to earn my doctorate in Global Business Management.
I know what it feels like to struggle. I know what it feels like to work hard and still worry about keeping the lights on, paying for groceries, affording healthcare, or simply trying to breathe under the weight of everyday life.
And I also know what it feels like when people believe in you.
Throughout my life, there were people who reminded me that where you begin does not have to determine where you end. People who taught me that communities are strongest when we show up for one another, fight for one another, and refuse to leave people behind.
That belief is what brings me here today.
Over the last several months, I have had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people across Killingly, Putnam, and Thompson. I have heard the concerns surrounding rising costs, housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, responsible development, environmental protections, and the future we are creating for the next generation.
I see the parents working six or seven days a week just to make ends meet while barely getting time with their children.
I see the families forced to leave the workforce because childcare costs have become impossible to afford.
I see the retirees reentering the workforce because retirement savings and Social Security are no longer enough to survive on.
I see veterans, small business owners, farmers, and working families doing everything they can to hold things together while costs continue to rise.
I see the people who make just enough to disqualify them from assistance programs while still struggling to afford housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
And throughout all of it, I have also witnessed the passion, resilience, kindness, and determination of everyday people who simply want leadership that listens and works alongside them.
I see you.
And I will fight for you.
This campaign is not about political theater or empty promises. It is about people. It is about building thoughtful solutions, protecting our communities, investing in education and infrastructure, supporting working families, preserving rural voices, and ensuring that growth never comes at the cost of our humanity.
I believe we can create communities where people are not forced to choose between survival and dignity. I believe we can pursue growth while still protecting our environment, supporting local communities, and investing in the long-term well-being of our state. And I believe the people closest to these issues deserve a real seat at the table.
Most importantly, I believe hope still matters.
I know firsthand what it means to overcome impossible odds, and I know there are people across this district carrying burdens nobody sees. People working multiple jobs, caring for loved ones, struggling silently, and wondering whether anyone in leadership truly understands what everyday life feels like anymore.
I see you.
And I am stepping into this race because I believe our communities deserve leadership rooted not only in education and experience, but in empathy, resilience, accountability, and action.
The future is something we build together, and I am honored to begin this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Dr. Angelina (Lina) Wagner
