IN THIS GUIDE: FAQ DISTRICT LOOKUP OUR COVERAGE
Kevin C. Kelly
Editors’ note: Despite his reelection in November, Kevin C. Kelly decided not to be sworn in as a state senator on Jan. 8, 2025 in order to accept a gubernatorial nomination to become a Superior Court judge. A special election was held in February to fill the seat and the winner, former state Rep. Jason Perillo, now represents the 21st Senate District.
Kevin C. Kelly, who first assumed office on Jan. 5, 2011, was most recently reelected on Nov. 5, 2024. Kelly attended Notre Dame Law School and earned his B.A. from Assumption College in 1982, his M.A. from Fairfield University in 1985 and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1997. His professional experience includes working as an investigator for the Connecticut Department of Social Services, associate of Zeldes, Needle & Cooper, P.C. of Bridgeport, partner of Bishop, Jackson & Kelly, LLC and Assistant Town Attorney for Stratford from 1999 to 2005.
2025 TENURE INFO
- Tenure: 2011 – Present
- Term ends: 2027
- Years in position: 14
2024 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
- Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, Ranking Member
- Legislative Management Committee, Ranking Member
- Legislative Regulation Review Committee
State Senate District 21 — at a glance
Population
| Total population | 107,174 |
| Foreign-born population | 12,917 |
| Population under age 18 | 19,891 |
| Population ages 65+ | 22,209 |
Ethnicity
| Percent Latino | 11% |
| Percent white | 77% |
| Percent Black | 5% |
| Percent other race | 8% |
Housing
| Total households | 41,185 |
| Owner-occupied households | 34,065 |
| Homeownership rate | 83% |
| Cost-burdened households | 13,674 |
| Cost-burden rate | 34% |
Income
| Poverty status known | 106,379 |
| Population in poverty | 5,305 |
| Poverty rate | 5% |
| Low-income population | 14,227 |
| Low-income rate | 13% |
District data used with permission of DataHaven 2024 Connecticut State Legislative District Profiles. Legislator data used with permission of Ballotpedia. Have a correction or addition to report about this data? Email us.
Return to 2025 Legislative Guide.