‘A great American story’
Jason Rojas is first person of color to be one of legislature’s ‘big six’ leaders
“Growing up in the projects gave him life lessons that others aren’t always fortunate enough to receive. He has an intellect beyond compare but he also has the street smarts and savviness
to navigate difficult situations.”
Adefining moment of Jason Rojas’ political career came just after he graduated from UConn. A proud East Hartford townie, Rojas wanted to serve in local government, and he was willing to start on the bottom rung.
“He told me he wanted to get involved and he wound up on the historic commission,” recalled Melody Currey, who was in the legislature at the time and has known Rojas for years.
Rojas spent part of his early 20s reviewing the paint colors and roof designs of residents who live within the historic district. That was followed by a term pondering the environmental impact of development plans as a member of the inland wetlands commission. He also served on the board of education, the town council and, since 2009, has been a state representative.
At 44, Rojas, a Democrat who represents East Hartford and
Manchester, is preparing to take on his highest profile role yet: He will become House Majority Leader, the first person of color to hold one of the “big six” leadership positions in the General Assembly. (The group also includes HouseSpeaker, Senate President Pro Tem, Senate Majority Leader andminority leaders in both chambers.)
The son of parents whocame to Connecticut from Puerto Rico in the 1960s, Rojas is used to breaking barriers. He grew up in public housing and is the first person in his family to graduate from college. In addition to an undergraduate degree in history from UConn, he holds a master’s in public policy from Trinity College.
“It’s a great American story,” Rojas said, explaining that his parents moved from Hartford to East Hartford in search of better schools and safer neighborhoods for their three children.
His father held two jobs: he was a union janitor and also worked in a factory assembling boxes. “He’d go to work at 6 a.m. and not come
— State Rep. Jeff Currey