Press Release: Cheshire’s Jim Jinks Announces Candidacy for Connecticut’s 13th State Senate District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026

Cheshire’s Jim Jinks Announces Candidacy for Connecticut’s 13th State Senate District

CHESHIRE, CT — Jim Jinks, the current Vice Chairperson of the Cheshire Town Council, former Planning & Zoning Commission member, dedicated community volunteer and veteran of over two decades in small business leadership officially announced his candidacy today for the Connecticut State Senate in the 13th District. Bringing a track record of winning tough elections and a deep commitment to putting voters first, Jinks enters the race with a focus on making Connecticut an easier place for everyone to thrive, prioritizing state support for municipal budgets and protecting families in the digital age.

“I’m running because I’ve seen first-hand how state-level decisions impact our local property tax bills and household budgets,” said Jim Jinks. “As a father of four in a two-career household, I really understand the 'struggle is real'—the challenge of trying to balance work, rising costs, and being there for your kids. I’ve spent my time on the Town Council fighting to make local government more responsive to voters and residents; now, I’m ready to take that fight to Hartford to ensure the state is the best partner to our towns and our families.”

“In my own family, we’ve experienced much of what Connecticut families face every day—navigating schools and learning, juggling busy schedules, health and wellness, the unrelenting intrusion of technology and affording it all,” said Jinks. “In politics nothing has been handed to me. I’ve worked for every vote I’ve ever received, and I will work just as hard to represent the people of the 13th District in the State Senate, making a difference for all residents and voters, every day and all year long.”

First elected to the Cheshire Town Council in 2019, Jinks has been re-elected three times, serving in a leadership capacity for the past two years as Vice Chairperson and Budget Committee Chairperson. He has played a pivotal role in Cheshire’s recent political shift, winning four consecutive elections in a historically Republican-leaning district and helping to recruit many good people to run for office and serve on volunteer boards and commissions.

Outside of the Council, Jinks is a twenty-five year veteran of the marketing and advertising industry. He is currently a Vice President at Mediabids, a Connecticut-based direct response ad agency. He has deep roots as a volunteer in Cheshire, having founded Bike Cheshire, an award-winning nonprofit, and serving on the boards of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and Chesprocott Health District.

Jinks will focus his campaign on addressing the systemic issues that squeeze Connecticut residents. Jinks argues that affordability starts at the state level. "The state has been overly cautious while towns struggle with balancing their budgets," Jinks stated. "We need to be bolder, including a more progressive income tax structure, increasing ECS [Education Cost Sharing] funding to towns, reducing municipal benefits costs and a focus on energy and sustainability—to provide real relief to the middle class."

As a parent, Jinks is deeply concerned about the negative impact of social media and AI on children’s mental health, growth and future job opportunities. He is calling for smart policy and regulation to benefit from tech but also protect the next generation and our state workforce.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jim has lived in the district for nearly thirteen years with his wife, Marie, their four children, and their dog, CJ. He holds an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Trinity College.

For more information about Jim Jinks please contact Lori Fusco [lorifusco020406@gmail.com; 203-530-3231].