Michelle Coelho

Michelle Coelho is an at-large member of the Danbury Public Schools school board in Connecticut. Her current term ends in 2025.

Coelho (Republican Party, Independent Party) ran for election to the Connecticut State Senate to represent District 24. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Coelho completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michelle Coelho was born in New York, New York. She earned a high school diploma from St. Mary's High School and a bachelor's degree from the New York Institute of Technology in 1993. Coelho also attended Northeastern University. Her career experience includes working as a project manager. Coelho has worked in the retail, real estate, property management, warranty, and construction fields.^[1]

As of 2024, Coelho was affiliated with the following organizations:^[1]

Lions Club, Danbury
Portuguese Cultural Center, Danbury
Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity
Irish Cultural Center
Parishioner of St. Peter Church, Danbury
Danbury Student and Business Connection, board member
United Way Collective on Absenteeism
Amerigo Vespucci

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Connecticut State Senate District 24

Incumbent Julie Kushner defeated Michelle Coelho in the general election for Connecticut State Senate District 24 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Julie Kushner (D / Working Families Party)	53.5	21,450
	Submit photo	Michelle Coelho (R / Independent Party)	46.5	18,656

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 40,106
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Julie Kushner advanced from the Democratic primary for Connecticut State Senate District 24.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Michelle Coelho advanced from the Republican primary for Connecticut State Senate District 24.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Coelho in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Connecticut State Senate District 24

Incumbent Julie Kushner defeated Michelle Coelho in the general election for Connecticut State Senate District 24 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Julie Kushner (D / Working Families Party)	52.4	15,116
	Submit photo	Michelle Coelho (R / Independent Party)	47.6	13,716

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,832
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Julie Kushner advanced from the Democratic primary for Connecticut State Senate District 24.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Michelle Coelho advanced from the Republican primary for Connecticut State Senate District 24.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Michelle Coelho completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Coelho's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Michelle Coelho, the daughter of Cuban immigrants who fled communist Cuba for freedom. Growing up bilingual in Manhasset, NY, I learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude for the opportunities this country provides. I went to Northeastern University and graduated from the NYIT, NY which gave me the tools to build a successful career in residential construction. With over 30 years of experience as a project manager, I’ve built homes and helped shape communities. I’ve also been a small business owner, landlord, realtor, and single parent. In my fourth year serving on the Danbury Board of Education, I’ve gained firsthand insight into the challenges our families and school district face—especially those with language barriers or learning difficulties. I strongly advocate for parental rights, school choice, and opening the public non-profit charter school in Danbury. I know how vital small businesses are as the backbone of our economy providing unique character and strength in our community. I’m running for State Senate to represent Danbury, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield in the 24th district. I believe in common sense, finding common ground, and upholding the values that unite us. Keeping decisions local is a top priority because no one understands our community better than we do. I’m proud to stand with our police and honored to have the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Independent Party.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

CT residents are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with soaring electric rates, groceries, and gas prices. Families are struggling, and businesses are being hurt by inflation. Public policies have driven up costs, making it harder for people to get by. I’m focused on lowering taxes for families and small businesses, growing the economy, cutting unnecessary spending, and eliminating unfunded mandates. With the high cost of public education today, we can't afford to leave money on the table in Hartford. I strongly support fully funding all state public nonprofit schools, increasing the ECS formula, ensuring more transparency and accountability in how education dollars are spent, advocate for incentivizing colleges to reduce student debt
I strongly believe in preserving and enhancing local control over issues that directly impact our communities, particularly in areas like education, zoning, and public safety. Local governments are closest to the people they serve and are best positioned to understand the unique needs and challenges of their residents. Affordable housing should be developed in a way that complements the character of the community, and I oppose state-imposed mandates on municipalities like SB416. I am committed to promoting smart, sustainable growth that respects local concerns and cuts through governmental red tape. With my experience as a developer and realtor, I will work with all my colleagues to address these issues.
Choice is central to my platform. I support a woman’s right to make the best medical decisions for herself and her family, with the guidance of her healthcare provider. Connecticut’s laws protect that right, and I stand by it. I also believe in broader medical freedom, ensuring individuals can make healthcare decisions without government interference. In education, I advocate for parental rights and school choice, allowing families to choose the best path for their children, whether public or charter. By empowering personal choice in healthcare and education, we create stronger, more responsive systems for everyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m committed to several key areas of public policy that directly impact our community. I believe in transparency in education funding, expanding parental choice, and fully supporting public nonprofit charter schools. Ensuring affordable housing for seniors and young adults entering the workforce is a top priority. Preserving local control is crucial, particularly in areas like education, zoning, public safety, and affordability, while opposing state-imposed mandates that undermine local decision-making. Supporting small businesses is essential, and I back policies that reduce taxes and cut red tape to help them thrive. I also stand with law enforcement to promote safer communities.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The role of a State Senator is unique and vital because it directly connects the needs of local communities to the larger state government, ensuring that local voices are represented on key legislative decisions. As a the first possible hispanic state senator for the 24th district it is an incredible opportunity to really connect with our largest growing population in the 24th district. As someone with 30 years of experience in residential construction, small business ownership, landlord, realtor, and four years serving on the Danbury board of education, I've seen firsthand the importance of local control in shaping policies that directly try impact families, education and economic growth. This office allows for the opportunity to preserve local decision-making, fight for transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent and address critical issues like affordability, education, public safety, homelessness, seniors, housing and, Transportation. My candidacy is driven by the belief that the best solutions come from the people closest to the issues. by advocation for smart sustainable growth and opposing top-down state mandates, I aim to ensure that communities like Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield have a strong voice in Hartford.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

If I were to recommend something that embodies my political philosophy, it would be the story of my grandfather. Silvio Fontanillas, He was a political cartoonist in Cuba who escaped communist oppression by hiding in a milk truck and sneaking into the Brazilian embassy and avoiding being arrested or killed on his way home where they were waiting for him at his house to have him arrested as a political threat to the regime.
At the Brazilian embassy my grandfather was granted exile as a political refugee, and found exile in Miami, Florida where he continued his cartoon strip, for decades in the Miami Herald. His work depicted the folk lives of those still in Cuba and those transitioning to life in Miami. He was responsible for creating Zig Zag and Bohemia magazine. Serving as a voice for the oppressed who could not speak out. His courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in freedom have profoundly shaped my own political values. Like him, I believe in the power of free expression, the importance of local control, and standing against government overreach. My political philosophy is grounded in advocating for liberty, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that every voice is heard—especially those who feel silenced by the system. I believe in the power of free expression, the importance of local control, and standing against government overreach. My political philosophy is grounded in advocating for liberty, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that every voice is heard—especially those who feel silenced by the system.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people. Elected officials must be transparent in their actions and decisions, always prioritizing the needs of their constituents over political interests. Listening to the concerns of the community and finding common-sense solutions that benefit everyone is crucial. An elected official should be dedicated to local control, ensuring that the people closest to the issues have a voice in shaping their future. Lastly, honesty and a strong work ethic are essential to building trust with the public and delivering on promises made during a campaign. These principles guide me as I work to represent the 24th district with integrity and dedication. I believe the elected officials should be accessible and work together with all the partners in the community to ensure well balanced and inclusive results across the district.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a State Senator include paying legislation that reflects the needs of the community, ensuring transparency in the budget process and holding state agencies accountable for their actions. A Senator must advocate for policies that lower the cost of living , improve education and support public safety. It's also essential to provide direct assistance to constituents, helping them navigate state services and resolving local issues. Collaboration with fellow legislators to ensure the best outcome for the district is key.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was 15 years old when I stated working at La Patisserie in Manhasset a french bakery where I worked behind the counter and waitressed. I worked there for 2 years before I left to work in retail.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The five people you meet in heaven- Mitch Album

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Women

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Whitney Houston's - One moment in time

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Standing up against racism 30 years ago with some family and friends when I married my 1st husband who was african American. I've watched my children struggle with the subject and the pressures of society.

I judge a book by its content not its cover.

-Good will and spirit does not posses skin color.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

From my perspective, the most important responsibilities of a State Senator are ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and represented in Hartford, and making sure policies reflect the needs of the people they impact. For me, that means focusing on areas like affordability, education, and public safety. It’s essential to promote financial transparency and responsible spending, so taxpayer dollars are used effectively to benefit our communities. I also believe in protecting local control, especially in areas like education and zoning, where the state shouldn’t impose mandates that ignore the unique needs of each town. Above all, a State Senator must be a strong advocate for their district, working tirelessly to make sure every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One responsibility of the State Senate that more people should be aware of is its role in shaping the state budget and determining how resources are allocated to different communities. As a State Senator, you have a direct influence on how education dollars are distributed, which impacts the quality of our schools and the opportunities available to our children. Many people don't realize the extent to which senators can advocate for increased funding through mechanisms like the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula, which is critical for districts like Danbury.

The current state senator for the 24th district voted against SB948, denying Danbury $13 million in desperately needed public education funding. It's also important to note that the current senator does not support parental choice in education and has actively opposed the establishment of a state public non profit charter school in Danbury since 2018. Danbury has lost millions of dollars in funding over the years along with educational choice for our parents and students that are offered in every other large city in the state.

In 2024, the Danbury faced a shocking 21% increase in its school budget request, while being downgraded from a AAA+ credit rating to a double AA, signaling serious financial concerns ahead. Public education in the district is severely underfunded, especially in areas like special education and multi-language learners. Additionally, Western Connecticut State University faces organizational and financial challenges that threaten its accreditation.

It's important to remember that every time the state passes an unfunded mandate to municipalities, towns are forced to raise property taxes, taking more money from the pockets of hardworking residents. It’s crucial that we address these issues to ensure a fair and sustainable future for our communities.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

While experience in government or politics can be helpful, I believe it’s equally important for holders of this office to bring a fresh perspective and real-world experience. Individuals with backgrounds outside of politics, like small business owners, educators, or community leaders, can offer valuable insights and solutions that career politicians may overlook. What matters most is a commitment to serving the community, understanding its unique needs, and having the ability to collaborate and solve problems effectively. A diverse range of experiences only strengthens our government’s ability to address complex issues.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe the most helpful skills for holders of this office include strong communication and collaboration abilities, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of budgeting and public policy. The ability to listen to constituents and work across party lines is essential for crafting solutions that benefit the entire community. Expertise in areas like economic development, education, and public safety is also important, as these issues often dominate the legislative agenda. Most importantly, integrity and a commitment to transparency are key in ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Independent Party, Fraternal Order of police, Friends of Connecticut Sportsman

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential for building trust between the people and their elected officials. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and governments must be held accountable for their decisions and actions. My experience on the Danbury Board of Education has reinforced these beliefs. I am serving my fourth year, I have worked hard to ensure transparency in school funding and advocate for accountability in how resources are allocated. I am a problem solver with a proven record of working with both sides of the aisle. This experience has prepared me to apply the same principles at the state level ensuring that govern funds are spent efficiently and responsibly to benefit our community. Transparency fosters trust, and I am committed to upholding that standard in public service.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

As a Republican candidate, I believe that a state ballot initiative process could be both good and bad for Connecticut, depending on how it’s implemented. On the positive side, it could empower citizens to have a direct say in important issues, increasing civic engagement and ensuring that voters have a voice in shaping policy. However, there are risks, such as the potential for well-funded special interest groups to dominate the process and push through initiatives that may not be in the best interest of all residents. It’s important to have safeguards in place to ensure that any ballot initiative process is transparent, fair, and truly reflects the will of the people without unintended consequences. Ultimately, the goal should be to preserve local control and ensure that decisions are made by the people most affected by them.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Michelle Coelho did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Michelle Coelho campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Connecticut State Senate District 24	Lost general	$75,070	$18,991
2022	Connecticut State Senate District 24	Lost general	$130,095	$105,716
Grand total			$205,165	$124,708
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

Connecticut State Senate District 24

Personal

Footnotes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[show]

Current members of the Connecticut State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Bob Duff

Minority Leader:Stephen Harding

Senators

District 1

John Fonfara (D)

District 2

Douglas McCrory (D)

District 3

Saud Anwar (D)

District 4

MD Rahman (D)

District 5

Derek Slap (D)

District 6

Rick Lopes (D)

District 7

John Kissel (R)

District 8

Paul Honig (D)

District 9

Matthew Lesser (D)

District 10

Gary Winfield (D)

District 11

Martin Looney (D)

District 12

Christine Cohen (D)

District 13

Jan Hochadel (D)

District 14

James Maroney (D)

District 15

Joan Hartley (D)

District 16

Robert Sampson (R)

District 17

Jorge Cabrera (D)

District 18

Heather Somers (R)

District 19

Catherine Osten (D)

District 20

Martha Marx (D)

District 21

Jason Perillo (R)

District 22

Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D)

District 23

Herron Gaston (D)

District 24

Julie Kushner (D)

District 25

Bob Duff (D)

District 26

Ceci Maher (D)

District 27

Patricia Miller (D)

District 28

Tony Hwang (R)

District 29

Mae Flexer (D)

District 30

Stephen Harding (R)

District 31

Henri Martin (R)

District 32

Eric Berthel (R)

District 33

Norm Needleman (D)

District 34

Paul Cicarella (R)

District 35

Jeff Gordon (R)

District 36

Ryan Fazio (R)

Democratic Party (25)

Republican Party (11)

[bio-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[1]

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Michelle Coelho

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Connecticut State Senate District 24

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Connecticut State Senate District 24

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2022

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

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