Dan Debicella (born October 24, 1974) is a former State Senator and businessman, who represented the 21st district in the Connecticut State Senate. He was also the 2010 and 2014 Republican candidate for Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District.
In his business career, Debicella worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Co., Director of Strategy at PepsiCo, and as an executive at Bridgewater Associates. He continues to currently serves on the board of various community organizations.
Early political career
Debicella served on Shelton’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation for seven years, four as its chairman. Debicella acted as the Fairfield County regional chair for former New York City MayorRudy Giuliani's unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign. He also worked for State Senator Doc Gunther as his campaign manager for several elections.
Connecticut Senate
Elections
Debicella decided to run for the Connecticut State Senate's 21st district in 2006 after longest-serving state legislator in the state's history, Doc Gunther, decided to retire. He defeated Democratic nominee Christopher Jones, 52–48%.[1][2] In 2008, he won re-election to a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Janice Andersen, 54–46%.[3][4]
Tenure
In the State Senate, Debicella was a Deputy Minority Leader. He represented eastern Fairfield County in parts of the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Stratford, and the entire city of Shelton (which is also his hometown).
He co-authored legislation that gave tax credits to businesses that create 10 or more jobs. Working with Republican GovernorJodi Rell, he supported a budget that increased state aid for education by 10–20% without raising taxes.[5][non-primary source needed]
Committee assignments
Appropriations Committee
Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
Debicella decided to retire from the state legislature to run for Connecticut's 4th congressional district in 2010. On May 21, 2010, he won the endorsement of the Connecticut Republican Party at its convention. On August 10, 2010, Debicella won the Republican three-candidate primary field with 61% of the vote, defeating Robert Merkle and Rick Torres.[7]