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Anne Hughes (politician)

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Anne Hughes
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
from the 135th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Preceded byAdam Dunsby
Personal details
BornAnne Meiman
(1965-07-03) July 3, 1965 (age 61)
Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
SpouseTim Hughes
EducationCollege of New Rochelle (BA)
University of New England (MSW)

Anne Hughes (née Meiman; born July 3, 1965) is an American politician serving as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, Hughes represents the 135th district, encompassing the towns of Redding, Weston, and parts of Easton. She was first elected in 2018 and co-chairs the House Progressive Democratic Caucus.[1]

Early life and education

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Hughes was born July 3, 1965, in Fairfield, Connecticut, to public school teachers Phil and Kay Meiman.[2] She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the College of New Rochelle, and a Master of Social Work from the University of New England. Hughes lives in Easton with her husband and is a social worker.[1]

Political career

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In 2018, Hughes ran for Connecticut's 135th House of Representatives district, which contained all of Easton, Weston, and parts of Redding.[3] She faced one-term incumbent Republican Adam Dunsby, who also was serving as Easton's first selectman.[4] Hughes defeated Dunsby with 54 percent of the vote,[5] becoming the first Democrat to win the 135th since 1970, when the district was based in Bridgeport.[6]

In her first term, Hughes, along with Rep. Joshua Hall co-chaired the House Progressive Democratic Caucus, which advocated for tax hikes aimed at the wealthy, criminal justice reform, and investments in addressing climate change.[7][8] She also advocated for paid family medical leave, and was a kidney donor for her godson in 2015.[9]

In 2020, Hughes faced former state representative John Shaban, who represented the district from 2011-2017, but unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2016 instead of seeking re-election. She defeated Shaban with 57 percent of the vote.[10] Hughes was again re-elected in 2022 and 2024, receiving over 60 percent of the vote both times.

On April 15, 2025, Hughes spoke during a press conference held by the Tax Equity Caucus at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford. The event coincided with Tax Day and focused on proposals to increase the capital gains tax, expand the child tax credit, and loosen the state's fiscal guardrails.[11]

Near the end of the event, Hughes was inadvertently recorded on a hot mic saying "We're not rich. But I always say to the governor, tax my people. They won't even notice."[11] This remark prompted backlash from many Republican lawmakers,[12] although Hughes defended her comments by saying she was referring to only her wealthiest constituents, who she says wouldn't face financial strain from increased taxes.[11]

References

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  1. 1 2 "Biography | Connecticut House Democrats". www.housedems.ct.gov. Archived from the original on 2026-02-11. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  2. ↑ "About — Anne Hughes Proactive CT". Anne Hughes Proactive CT. Archived from the original on 2023-02-09. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  3. ↑ The Connecticut General Assembly Reapportionment Commission (2011-11-30). "State House of Representatives Redistricting Plan 2011 - House District 135" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-08-09. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  4. ↑ Koerting, By Katrina (2018-11-07). "Hughes defeats incumbent to win 135th". News-Times. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  5. ↑ "2018 Nov 6 • General • State Representative • State Representative District 135 | State of Connecticut". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  6. ↑ "1970 Nov 3 • General • State Representative • State Representative District 135 | State of Connecticut". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  7. ↑ Phaneuf, Keith M. (2020-02-18). "Progressive Dems renew push for tax reform, legalized cannabis". CT Mirror. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  8. ↑ Phaneuf, Keith M. (2019-05-23). "Progressive Dems up pressure on Lamont to tax the rich". CT Mirror. Archived from the original on 2026-03-30. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  9. ↑ "Advocates press for a wider definition of family in paid leave bill". CT Mirror. 2019-03-12. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
  10. ↑ "2020 Nov 3 • General • State Representative • State Representative District 135 | State of Connecticut". State of Connecticut Elections Database. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  11. 1 2 3 Wardwell, Jarrod (2025-04-17). "Connecticut state rep's hot mic moment sparks backlash: 'Tax my people. They won't even notice.'". Connecticut Post. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  12. ↑ Ragland, Jamil (2025-04-16). "Legislators, Advocates Call For Tax Relief for Middle, Working Class". CT News Junkie. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
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