Matt Ritter, a lifelong Hartford resident, is speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives and represents the 1st Assembly District. He was first elected to the General Assembly in 2010, after serving three years on the Hartford City Council.
Ritter played a central role in the legislature’s work in 2025, which extended into a special session. During that session, lawmakers approved a $500 million emergency fund aimed at mitigating the effects of potential federal funding cuts.
Ritter said the measure was intended to prevent spikes in health insurance premiums, address food insecurity and limit other impacts tied to reduced federal support.
During the regular 2025 session, Ritter said lawmakers approved investments in child care and special education and enacted energy reforms projected to generate more than $750 million in savings over the coming years. He said the legislature also addressed prescription drug costs and housing affordability.
Looking ahead to the 2026 session, Ritter said lawmakers will debate legislation related to elections, including no-excuse absentee ballots, school financing and policies tied to the safety and welfare of children. Streamlining permitting and regulatory processes for businesses will also remain a focus.
Ritter is also a partner at law firm Shipman & Goodwin, where he chairs the public finance practice group.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
In Connecticut, we are so fortunate. We are not Washington, D.C. Republicans and Democrats at the state Capitol routinely work together on big issues. When we disagree, we do our best to find common ground. And even when there is no common ground, we always treat each other with respect.
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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
I am a lifelong Hartford resident. This is my home. It is where I practice law and where I serve my community as a state representative. I value the lifelong relationships I have forged and the new people I meet every day who make this such a great state.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
We have made it a priority to cut red tape for businesses — especially small businesses — in the state. Permitting, regulations and licensing shouldn’t be roadblocks to getting a business up and running. We continue to push for streamlining these processes for businesses and professionals.
Go-to news media outlet: ESPN
Hobby or leisure activity: Watching college basketball (especially UConn).