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04/12/2022 12:00 AMMoira Rader of Guilford has announced the launch of her campaign for state representative of the 98th District. This district includes parts of Guilford and Branford. A vocal advocate for her community, Rader formed an exploratory committee in January. Per Sean Scanlon’s announced run for state comptroller, she is now poised to run a full and energized campaign, working to win the seat and represent the unique voices of her district.
Rader, the current vice chair of the Guilford Board of Education (BOE), is proud to announce that she has qualified for the state’s citizens election grant program. This milestone achievement will ensure that her campaign is 100 percent publicly funded.
“I am humbled by the overwhelming energy and support I have received from this community around my candidacy. Reaching this critical fundraising goal will allow me to focus all of my attention on getting out in the district, meeting with neighbors and dedicating my time to truly listening to the needs and hopes of my potential constituents. I’m excited to harness this energy to do great things on behalf of the 98th District”.
Raised in a family of educators and creatives, Rader is a vocal advocate for education and community-building. Prior to her election to the Board of Education in 2016, Rader served on the A.W Cox Elementary Advisory Board, volunteered as a K-3 religious education teacher at St. George, and has given her time to many local non-profit organizations supporting families on the shoreline. A design professional for more than 25 years. Rader is an active, engaged member of her community, noted as she received the highest number of votes on record for re-election to the Guilford BOE in 2021.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Moira Rader for over four years on the Guilford BOE. Moira has demonstrated commitment to and success in leadership as the current vice chair of the board and former chair of the Policy Committee, and these skills will be very valuable for the state representative for the 98th District” said BOE Chair Katie Balestracci. “She thoroughly researches and brings thoughtful consideration to all issues. She has over four years of experience shaping Board of Education budgets and policy to support the high-quality instruction and daily operations of Guilford Public Schools. Moira’s engagement in addressing the mental health and wellness of our students, and equity and inclusion of all students, speaks to her commitment to these issues. It is with great excitement that I support her candidacy for the State House of Representatives.”
A resident of Guilford for the past 10 years, Rader is excited to leverage her vast volunteer experience and professional acumen into this next role as state representative.
“I can’t think of a better way to take my passion for volunteerism, my vast professional experiences and my understanding of community needs than to seek this office where I can affect real change and results for the citizens of this wonderful shoreline district. I am thrilled by the opportunity to represent Guilford and Branford in the General Assembly,” said Rader. “We all want top-rate school systems, environmental measures that protect our communities, health care that’s affordable and equitable, infrastructure that supports our towns and cities so that families can thrive and build great lives here in Connecticut. I believe there is a balance that can be achieved between a great quality of life and fiscal responsibility. I’m ready for the challenge and look forward to listening to constituents and ensuring their voices are heard in Hartford”.
Rader is admired throughout her community for her steadfast dedication to the school system and the greater impact that imparts on all facets of community life.
“As a mother, I value Moira’s dedication to our schools and both the social and emotional wellbeing of our children. As a local business owner, I admire her work ethic and commitment to the economic health and growth of our communities”, said Maggie Moffett, owner of Mix Design store in Guilford and mother of four.
Moira and her husband of 20 years, Peter, have four children: Paedar, Maeve, Mairead, and Muiriel. They call the Mulberry Point area of Guilford home, sharing it with their puppy Fionnuala. Rader holds a bachelor of arts from Villanova University and a masters’ degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
She has practiced in the fields of architecture and design for more than 25 years, while also being a licensed realtor in the State of Connecticut. An active advocate for preserving and protecting both our historic and natural resources, Rader hopes to bring her background to bear on issues that impact the landscape of our communities and the lives of her constituents.