Chiropractic to campaigning: Republican candidate Mike Pace vying to become Hamden state representative

Mike Pace began his involvement within the town of Hamden over 20 years ago, establishing his chiropractic and acupuncture practice in the area. After noticing a steady increase in community issues throughout the years, he decided to place his name on the Connecticut General Election ballot. 

“I might be in the right place at the right time here in Hamden and with people needing change or wanting change,” Pace said. 

The 51-year-old Republican candidate from Vernon, Connecticut, is running for the 88th state House of Representatives district seat against the incumbent Democratic State Rep. Josh Elliott. Elliott is seeking a fourth term in this year’s election on Nov. 8.

“My opponent was running unchallenged, (and it) didn’t sit well with me,” Pace said. “I’m at least putting his feet to the fire and I think that’s important. It’s a civic duty to do.”

Pace told HQNN his campaign centers around the grievances that he’s been hearing from residents — such as public safety, lack of support for law enforcement, the high tax rate in Hamden and parents not being heard within the school system. 

“Every politician has some set of agendas if you will,” Pace said. “My issue is just wanting to bring the people’s voices where we’re at in our community up to Harford.”

Despite having no background in politics, Pace’s inspiration to establish changes in Hamden has been brewing for a long time, he said.

Since opening Mount Carmel Chiropractic and Acupuncture in 2002, Pace has received complaints from his patients regarding the town’s crime and tax rates. As their gripe with the community grew and more residents were leaving the town as years went on, Pace said he knew he had to do more for Hamden. 

“The subject kept popping up,” Pace said. “And I said ‘If I don’t end up doing this, I’m going to be kicking myself like you wimped out or I had the opportunity to potentially help the people here in this district, and maybe make a difference in what we’re doing here in Hamden.’” 

Although still learning the linguistics of the political sphere and campaigning, Pace’s devotion to reforming the community has raised interest among some residents in the town. 

“I respect Mr. Pace a lot for just wanting to do this for his family and fellow residents while not having a background,” said Dana Wetmore, a Hamden resident. “I think sometimes you just don’t need a background, you just really need a passion.” 

Despite being acknowledged for his passion to run for the election, the issues Pace looks to fix within the town are some of Hamden’s residents’ top concerns. 

Hamden resident Staci Brody has been living in the town for 56 years. Throughout the years, she said it has become difficult to watch more individuals struggle to maintain residency in the town amid a steady increase in crime. 

“I have friends that are my family that live in every district of Hamden,” Brody said. “Many in the fifth district who are dealing day-in (and) day-out, riddled with gunfire, and crazy stuff that’s going on that they’re afraid to leave their homes. No one should ever feel that way.”

Brody said she believes Hamden’s biggest issue is the town’s leadership. Although she does not affiliate with a singular political party, she said the most crucial factor in mending the town is to have politicians who “genuinely care for the people in this community, not just a stepping stone for higher aspirations of (the) political game.”

“I don’t care if you’re Democrat or Republican, just new blood of someone who’s going to support and be the voice for the people,” Brody said.  

Historically, Hamden is primarily a Democratic voting town. According to Connecticut’s registration and party enrollment statistics from October 2020, only 4,170 active voters were registered under the Republican party. In the same report, 18,871 active members identified as Democratic. 

Although Pace remains on the Republican ticket, he said he is not worried that it will deter residents from voting for him come election time. He said his campaign and effort to get out into the town while campaigning will truly reflect who he is as a candidate. 

However, Pace is not the only individual in the town who believes voters can break past their political affiliation walls for this upcoming election. 

Miles Ellsworth, treasurer of Quinnipiac University’s Republicans, said it is important for voters to fully grasp the individual candidates and positions on different issues before making a selection on the ballot. 

“Sometimes you’ve checked off the box because they have a D or an R next to their name,” Ellsworth said “However, every Democrat is unique and every Republican is unique…You’re not just voting for the party, you’re voting for the person.” 

With the election only nearly six weeks away, Pace said he will continue to expand his outreach to Hamden residents by attending local events and community sports games, going door-to-door campaigning and embedding himself within community matters. 

“I just really want to help the people here in this area,” Pace said. “To do what I can to do that.”