Olaleye Onikuyide, a West Hartford attorney and Hall High School graduate, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 19th District House seat being vacated by state Rep. Tammy Exum.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford resident Olaleye Onikuyide announced Saturday that he plans to seek the Democratic nomination for the 19th District seat in the State House currently held by state Rep. Tammy Exum, who indicated last week that she will not be running for re-election this fall.

The 19th District includes a portion of West Hartford as well as Avon.

Olaleye, 27, is a Connecticut native, born at Hartford Hospital to Nigerian immigrant parents who came to America in the early 1980s. As a young child he lived in Bloomfield, but his family moved to West Hartford where he attended Norfeldt Elementary School, King Philip Middle School, and Hall High School, from which he graduated in 2016.

Olaleye continued building deep roots in the community, and obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Hartford in 2020, his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2024, and is admitted to the Connecticut bar. He clerked at the District Court in Hartford for Magistrate Robert Richardson, and has an interest in housing policy, civil litigation, and land use.

“I’ve always had a passion for this community,”Olaleye said in a phone interview, and while he has had plenty of opportunity to leave – for college, law school, work – he is drawn to the area. “Time and again I’ve stayed and reinvested in the community.”

Olaleye said his campaign focus is affordability, infrastructure investment, and ensuring the district receives its fair share of state resources. “Too many young people, working families, and seniors are being priced out of the community they love,” he said, and plans to advocate for affordability and a fair share of critical state funding to support education, housing, and infrastructure.

“Our community gave me opportunities my parents could only dream of when they arrived here,” he said. “Now it’s my opportunity to give back.”

He’s young, and will be able to give voice to a perspective that he believes needs representation at the Capitol. While he has not previously held elected office, he has worked on multiple campaigns, served as student representative to the Board of Regents at the University of Hartford, and was an Obama Foundation Scholar.

“It was really Tammy’s [Exum] encouragement that made this make sense for me,” Olaleye said of his decision to be serve the community by running for office.

Although she didn’t disclose his name, Exum shared last week that she was excited about a potential “vibrant, exciting, new candidate” she had spoken to about running for her seat, noting that this is the right time for someone younger to bring fresh new energy.

“I’ve witnessed Olaleye Onikuyide’s commitment to our community firsthand,” Exum said Saturday in a statement. “He brings exactly what this role demands: a sharp legal mind honed at UConn Law, the thoughtfulness of an Obama Scholar, and the listening skills essential for public service. Most importantly, he’s a product of the district who wants to build a future here – one that’s affordable and attainable for his and all generations. Our community needs voices like his and I’m proud to endorse his candidacy. I have no doubt his integrity, hard work, and passion will make us all proud.”

State Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, who represents the 17th District which includes parts of Avon and Canton, also endorsed Olaleye Onikuyide.

“Rep. Exum leaves big shoes to fill, which is why I am excited to endorse Olaleye,” she said in a statement. “What we need in the legislature right now are intelligent, committed, and creative legislators and I know that’s what Olaleye will bring to the table on day one. His ability to listen to people and carry those voices to the Capitol is what I think voters will love most about him.”

“Olaleye has deep roots in the 19th District, a tireless work ethic, and the passion to serve his community,” added Avon Democratic Town Committee Chair Eliza Massaro. “He understands what this office demands and has invested the time to engage meaningfully with residents in both towns. I’m proud to endorse his candidacy and eager to work alongside him as our next State Representative.”

Olaleye said he plans to prioritize direct engagement with constituents.

“This campaign isn’t about me telling you what I think you need – it’s about listening,” said Olaleye. “Over the coming months, I want to hear from neighbors across the 19th district about what matters most to them and their families. Let’s build a Connecticut where the next generation has the same opportunities I had – and even better ones.”

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.