Corey Paris

Corey Paris is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 145th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected in a special election held on April 29, 2021, and officially took office on May 4, 2021. Paris has since been re-elected for additional terms, including in November 2022 and 2024. He holds the distinction of being the first African American male to represent his district and has taken on various leadership roles within the legislature, including serving as the chair of the Committee on Children.

Early life and career

Corey Paris was born on August 3, 1991, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was raised in Kansas City, Kansas, by his grandparents, which shaped his early life and values. Paris pursued higher education at Johnson County Community College before transferring to Western Connecticut State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. During his time at the university, he was actively involved in student governance, serving as the president of the Student Government Association.

In 2013, Paris gained experience in public service as an intern for the Clinton Global Initiative, an initiative associated with the Clinton Foundation that focuses on global issues and community service. He later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven, further enhancing his qualifications for a career in public service.

Before entering the legislature, Paris held the position of chief development officer for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County, where he was involved in initiatives aimed at supporting early childhood education and development. In April 2024, he transitioned to the role of chief impact officer at Person-to-Person, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity, providing financial assistance, and promoting educational opportunities for families in lower Fairfield County.

Legislative service

Corey Paris was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives during a special election on April 27, 2021, where he received a significant majority of the vote. He assumed office shortly thereafter, marking the beginning of his legislative career. As the first African American male to represent the 145th district, Paris has made history in his role. His initial term in the legislature saw him appointed to several key committees, including Appropriations, Education, and Environmental committees.

Following his successful re-election in November 2022, Paris was sworn into his second term in January 2023. He was appointed as the Majority Caucus Chair for the House Democratic Caucus, a leadership position that underscores his influence within the party. In addition to his role as Majority Caucus Chair, he has continued to serve on the Education, Higher Education & Employment Advancement, and Appropriations committees, where he holds the position of vice chair. Paris has also co-chaired the bipartisan Future Caucus, which focuses on engaging younger legislators in the legislative process.

Throughout his time in office, Paris has focused on a range of issues that impact his constituents and the state of Connecticut. His legislative priorities have included addressing poverty, supporting first responders, advocating for universal early childhood education, and promoting student loan forgiveness. He has introduced legislation aimed at alleviating student loan debt, which garnered bipartisan support, and has worked to advance financial literacy as a requirement for high school graduation.

In a notable achievement, Paris became the chair of the Committee on Children, making him the first male and person of color to hold this position. In this capacity, he has led initiatives to strengthen protections for children and families throughout Connecticut. His leadership has been particularly relevant in the context of child welfare reforms, where he has contributed to bipartisan efforts aimed at improving oversight and accountability within the state's Department of Children and Families.

Paris's efforts in the legislature have not gone unnoticed. He has received various honors and recognitions, including being named a 100 Men of Color Honoree and a Champion by Connecticut Voices for Children in 2022. He has also been recognized as one of the Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut by the NAACP. In 2023, he was acknowledged by the Council of State Governments with the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, which recognizes emerging leaders in public service across the nation.

Policy focus and district

Corey Paris represents the 145th district in Connecticut, where he has made significant contributions to various policy areas. His legislative focus includes education reform, child welfare, and financial literacy, reflecting his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. Paris has been a strong advocate for ensuring that financial literacy is a graduation requirement in public schools, recognizing the importance of equipping students with essential life skills.

In addition to education, Paris has been vocal about issues related to public safety and civic leadership. In 2025, he addressed concerns regarding threats made against him, highlighting the broader implications for the safety of elected officials, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement in Connecticut. His advocacy extends to raising awareness about stroke prevention and health issues, informed by his personal experiences as a stroke survivor.

Paris's leadership roles extend beyond the legislature. He has served as the vice chair of the Mayor's Multicultural Council and holds board positions with the Stamford Partnership and the Ferguson Library. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to community engagement and support for diverse populations.

In his personal life, Paris is married to Symphonie Privett, a news anchor and reporter for Fox 61, who has been recognized for her journalism work. The couple, who met in 2022, married in September 2025 and reside in Stamford, Connecticut. Together, they continue to engage in community initiatives and advocate for important social issues, furthering their impact beyond the legislative arena.