Representative Tom O'Dea

State Representative David Rutigliano is currently serving his sixth term in the Connecticut General Assembly representing the 123rd District – which represents most of Trumbull. He is the Deputy House Republican State Representative Thomas O’Dea was reelected to his sixth term in office on November 8, 2022. Tom proudly serves the 125th Connecticut House District, which includes the communities of New Canaan, Darien, and Stamford.

In December of 2022, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora appointed Tom to the role of Deputy House Republican Leader for the new legislative term, citing his outstanding leadership abilities in the role from the previous session, as well as his extensive legal expertise.

Committee Membership Environment Committee Judiciary Committee Legislative Management Committee Transportation Committee

Experience An experienced trial attorney with over 40 jury verdicts as lead counsel, Tom concentrates his practice in civil litigation on behalf of individuals and corporations in a wide variety of matters ranging from commercial litigation to personal injury litigation. Tom has also litigated numerous legal malpractice and trucking industry cases.

Additionally, Tom has defended businesses against claims of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, and unlawful discharge. He provides counsel and training to employers on workplace issues, including implementation of policies on sexual harassment and discrimination.

From 1995 to 2004, Tom served as a member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council (POST), which is responsible for overseeing all training and certification of municipal police officers in Connecticut. From 1997 to 2004, he served by appointment of the governor as a Victim Compensation Commissioner within the state’s judicial branch, responsible for adjudicating claims brought by victims of crimes.

In 2004, Tom was appointed to the Judicial Selection Commission, including time as chair. The Judicial Selection Commission is responsible for recommending the appointment and reappointment of state court judges.

Tom was a member of the New Canaan Town Council from 2005 until January, 2013 when he was elected to Connecticut’s State House of Representatives.

Education BA, Providence College, 1988

 JD, Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, 1991

 University of Fribourg, Switzerland, 1986-1987

Personal Tom and his wife Kerry have three children – Tommy, Caroline, & Michael, and in his free time he coaches New Canaan Youth Football, Baseball, and Basketball.