MEET JEFF

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Jeff understands the needs of his constituents.

GROWING UP IN CT

Jeff Desmarais is a lifelong resident of Connecticut. He was raised in a middle-class family in Wolcott where his parents still live today. His father, Larry, worked as a US Postal Service letter carrier and served in the Army Reserve. His mother, Sandra, worked as a data entry operator. From an early age, Jeff was interested in politics and history. He remembers always wanting to help create a better, kinder, more equitable society for all Americans.

MILITARY SERVICE AND EDUCATION

Jeff served in the Army National Guard from 1997 to 2003 and was named his battalion’s Soldier of the Year in 2000. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Political Science in 2004.

FAMILY LIFE

On New Year’s Day of 2004, Jeff married his wife, Joanna, now a registered nurse at Regional Hospice in Danbury. He and his wife have lived in the Oakville section of Watertown for 18 years, where they are raising their daughter Chloe, age 18, son Ethan, age 15, and dog Jack.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Jeff began his professional career in banking. In 2007, he became concerned with how the financial crisis would affect the future of retirees. This prompted him to move into his current profession as a financial planner

CIVIC LEADERSHIP

A dedicated dad, Jeff has volunteered as a coach at several levels of the WaterOak Little League since 2014. As a civic leader, he serves on the Watertown Public Buildings Commission, the Charter Revision Commission and as the Chairperson of the Watertown/Oakville Democratic Town Committee. In 2017, he briefly filled a vacancy on the Watertown Town Council. In 2018, Jeff ran for State Representative for the 68th District but was not elected. He unsuccessfully ran for the Senate seat in the 32nd District in 2020 and 2022. Jeff feels the voting results in 2022 were encouraging. He believes 2024 can be the year all his hard work comes to fruition, and hopes to be elected as the 32nd District State Senator serving the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Oxford, Roxbury, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury, and parts of Bethel, Brookfield, Middlebury, and Seymour.

A MESSAGE FROM JEFF

The state of Connecticut, and especially the 32nd Senate District, is a beautiful place with a rich history, great resources, and good-hearted people. I hope to do my part, as an elected representative, to put forward and support progressive legislation that strengthens our communities, brings more security to working families and ensures our continued pride in this great state. With your support, we can make it happen.

- Jeff