The Republican nomination for Danbury's 110th District State House seat is being sought by a political newcomer.  Emanuela Palmares is seeking to challenge Democrat Bob Godfrey, a Deputy House Speaker who has represented the district for 24 years. 

Palmares is the editor of the Tribuna Newspaper. She is a Commissioner on the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission which advises the Governor and the State Legislature, a council member on Danbury’s Aging in Place Council, and serves as a member of the Danbury Hospital Board of Directors.

Palmares says she wants to be an independent voice in Hartford, as someone who reflects the diversity and everyday struggles of Danbury residents.   She said she was inspired to go into public service by watching her parents work three jobs and eventually start their own business. 

The Latinos United for Professional Advancement named Palmares as of the organization's 50 Most Influential Latinos in Connecticut in 2015.  In 2010, she made the Fairfield County Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list.

Palmares is officially kicking off her campaign on Friday at 5:30pm  at Two Steps Downtown Grille.