West Hartford resident Tammy Exum has announced her plans to run as a Democrat in a special election to fill the 19th District State House seat that will be vacated by Derek Slap.

By Ronni Newton

Tammy Exum, a former member of the West Hartford Board of Education, has announced her plan to seek the 19th District State House seat that will be vacated by Derek Slap, who won election to the 5th State Senate District in Tuesday’s special election.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of representing this constituency,” Exum told We-Ha.com in a phone interview Tuesday night.

“I am running to deliver the voices of the people of the 19th District to the Capitol,” she said in a statement. “I will use my skills as an advocate to deliver for my constituents and be a representative that listens to community concerns, brings people together, and then leads to solve problems.”

Exum, the mother of three children and a longtime West Hartford resident, made her official announcement after Slap learned of his victory in Tuesday’s special election.

“Tammy is ready to be a strong advocate for families in the 19th district from day one. She’s a proven leader when it comes to protecting our public schools and helping all children succeed,” Slap, now senator-elect, said in a statement.  “Her approach to public service is what I believe families in the district want and deserve – a collaborative, hard-working, consensus builder who will get things done.”

Beth Bye, who served as senator in the 5th District prior to being named head of the Office of Early Childhood, said in a statement that “Tammy Exum has a track record of working for positive change in our community. She leads with her mind and her heart and is willing to do the hard work it takes to give her constituents a voice.”

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said that she is thrilled Exum will be seeking the 19th State House seat. “I have worked with Tammy as a Board of Education member and as vice chair,” Cantor said in a statement. “Tammy is smart, honest, and professional. She has dedicated time and effort to benefit all of our students and families. She leads by example. She balances strength and fairness with respect and open-mindedness.”

The date for the special election in the 19th State House District, which includes sections of West Hartford, Farmington, and Avon, has not yet been set, and will be determined once it is called for by Gov. Ned Lamont.

The special election will take place 46 days after it is called for by the governor, with either April 16 or April 23 as likely dates.

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