She’s only in fifth grade but has big plans for the state of Connecticut.
The Connecticut Democracy Center recently named North Haven fifth-grader Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan as the new 2026 Connecticut Kid Governor.
The Green Acres Elementary School student was elected by her peers, and the announcement was made during a school assembly in North Haven in front of her classmates and teachers. Hallinan’s platform addresses inclusion of children with disabilities.
“I chose to run with the platform for inclusion with students with disabilities because my heart goes out to anyone who feels different or left out. I know people struggle with things that they can’t control, and I never want them or anyone to feel excluded. Everyone deserves to belong,” Hallinan said in a speech at the recent school assembly.
“As kid governor, I hope I can create a world where every single person is treated with kindness and respect.”
More than 10,300 Connecticut fifth graders from 360 classes and 160 schools voted for the final seven candidates. The news was also shared in a video featuring WTNH’s Dennis House and Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.
Green Acres Elementary School Principal Tracey Considine said at the school assembly that Hallinan’s victory “is a very proud moment for our entire school community.”
“This achievement is remarkable not only because of the hard work it took to get here but because of the message behind the campaign, true inclusion for students with disabilities,” Considine said.
“Tessa, your platform stood out because it came from the heart. You chose to focus on fairness, empathy and making sure every child, no matter their ability, has the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive. That is leadership in its purest form.”
Green Acres Elementary School fifth grade teacher Brittany DeFreitas said Hallinan is a natural leader.
“Your commitment to creating greater inclusion to students with disabilities shows your empathy and your courage to speak up for others and your determination to make our school a place where everyone feels seen, supported and valued,” DeFreitas said to Hallinan at the assembly.
Filling out Hallinan’s cabinet were the other six finalists, which include Ajla Reci of Charles Wright Elementary School in Wethersfield whose platform addressed screen time; Glastonbury’s Alyvia Stoddard at East Hartford Magnet School, with a platform on marine pollution; Dylan Ellis at South Windsor’s CREC Academy of International Studies Elementary School, whose platform addressed racism; Ellington’s Myra Ruparel from Center Elementary School, with a platform of social inclusion; Manchester’s Nana Appau from Odyssey Community School, who addressed anxiety; and Samuel K. James of Hartford’s Renzulli Academy, who focused on cyberbullying.
“Tessa’s platform and commitment to inclusion for students with disabilities in school activities resonated with the voters,” Connecticut’s Kid Governor State Coordinator for CTDC Linda Preston said.
“We look forward to working with her and her six cabinet members to bring their voices and ideas to their constituents across the state.”
Hallinan’s three-point platform includes inviting schools to start buddy systems that pair fifth grade leaders with kids with disabilities; encouraging schools to designate a “Buddy Lunch Table” in the cafeteria where students can sit if they feel left out or need a friend; and sharing videos about including, accepting, and understanding kids with disabilities for classes to watch together.
“It’s been an exciting campaign season, and we thank all the Connecticut fifth graders who participated in this real election,” said Kid Governor for CTDC Director Brian Cofrancesco.
“We congratulate all the Statewide Election candidates for having the courage to stand up for a community issue important to them and applaud their classmates, educators, and family members who supported them,” he said. “Kid Governor-Elect Tessa will join Kid Governors in four other states in empowering their constituents to make a difference in their communities next year. We look forward to working with her and her Cabinet to make a positive impact across Connecticut in 2026.”
Hallinan and her cabinet’s one-term of leadership will begin on Inauguration Day in January. They will be sworn at Connecticut’s Old State House.
The Kid Governor is a program that teaches state fifth graders about state government, voting, and the power of civic participation, according to the organization. Critical thinking, research, public speaking and persuasion are some of the skills the students focus on in the Kid Governor program.
The seven candidates were selected among 51 nominees. Each was nominated by their school for the 2025 election, according to Connecticut Democracy Center.
The voting period was from Nov. 3-12 when the 10,300 Connecticut fifth graders watched each candidate’s campaign video that focused on a community issue and presented a three-point plan to help students take action.
Hallinan will take over for 2025 Kid Governors winner Keudy Martinez of H.S. Chase Elementary School in Waterbury, whose. platform was Speaking Up for Safe & Happy Schools.