Candidate briefing
Nick Gauthier was born in New London and graduated from Waterford High School, the University of Connecticut and the University of New Haven, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration. Before joining the legislature, he served on the Waterford Representative Town Meeting, worked in the town’s senior services department, and organized in the labor movement and his community.
Gauthier first ran for District 38 in 2022 and lost to Republican Rep. Kathleen McCarty, 49.0% to 51.0%. In 2024 he defeated her by 174 votes, 50.6% to 49.4%, and took office in January 2025.
In the November 3, 2026 general election, Gauthier faces Republican John Foley, who also has the Independent Party line. The Working Families Party has asked voters to support Gauthier on its Row C ballot line, and PolRev supports his re-election.