Running for Office After Retirement.

By Anne Weisberg

Two years ago, I retired from a career as a diversity, equity and inclusion professional, working mostly in the private sector. Today, I am running for the Connecticut State House of Representatives, District 108. While I didn’t set out to be a politician, I suggest that it is one of the most rewarding ways to “give forward” and create a legacy.

My story may be unique, but it does not have to be unusual. Once I retired, I started to get involved in my local community. I live in a small town called Sherman that sits at the northern tip of Candlewood Lake. I joined the Sherman Conservation Commission and became involved with the local Democratic Town Committee. As a result of these activities, I was asked to run against the two term incumbent, who portrays himself as moderate but actually votes like a MAGA Republican. 

While my campaign is a long shot (a Democrat hasn’t won the seat since 1982!) there is a path to victory, thanks in large part to the incredible energy the Harris/Walz campaign has brought to the race. I have volunteers who help me and support from both the CT Dems and the CT Working Families Party. I am not doing this alone!!

And while it is a lot of work, it is giving me an incredible sense of purpose. I know that, no matter what the outcome is, I have made a difference by presenting my vision for the future and contrasting it to my opponent’s. It is using the strategic thinking and communications skills I honed as a DEI professional. 

If you are thinking of running, please reach out! I’d be happy to talk with you. In the meantime, to learn more about my campaign, please visit my website and my Facebook page.

You can watch Anne’s Lustre discussion from August 27th below: