# Corey Paris

Corey Phillip Paris is an American politician serving as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 145th district. Elected in an April 29, 2021 special election, he assumed office on May 4, 2021. He was re-elected to a second term in November 2022.

## Early life, Education & Professional Career

Paris was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised by his grandparents in Kansas City, Kansas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Connecticut State University where he also served as Student Government Association president. In 2013, Paris was an intern for the Clinton Global Initiative, an initiative of the Clinton Foundation. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven. Paris was the Chief Development Officer for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County. In April 2024, Paris assumed the role of Chief Impact Officer at Person-to-Person, a nonprofit organization providing resources and support to individuals and families in lower Fairfield County; addresses food insecurity, financial assistance, and educational opportunities.

## Connecticut General Assembly

Paris was the president of the Connecticut Young Democrats. He also worked for People for the American Way. He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives on April 27, 2021, special election with 76% of the vote, and assumed office on May 4, 2021. He is the first African American male to represent the 145th district. During his first term in the legislature, Paris was appointed to serve as a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Environmental committees.
Paris was re-elected on November 8, 2022, with 75% of the vote. He was sworn into his second term, on January 4, 2023. He was appointed to the role of Majority Caucus Chair, for the House Democratic Caucus. His committee appointments include Education, Higher Education & Employment Advancement, and a reappointment to the Appropriations committee, where he serves as vice chair. Additionally, Paris co-chairs the bipartisan Future Caucus.
During his second term, Paris worked on issues such as homelessness, support for first responders, universal early childhood education, and student loan forgiveness. Notably, he introduced a bill addressing student loan debt, creating a reimbursement program for Connecticut residents with bipartisan backing.
Paris also worked on education reform, ensuring financial literacy is a graduation mandate in public schools. His leadership recognition includes honors such as the 100 Men of Color Honoree, Connecticut Voices for Children’s Champion 2022, and being listed among the NAACP Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.
In 2023, the Council of State Governments (CSG) acknowledged Paris as one of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipients, an annual recognition of outstanding work by up-and-coming officials nationwide. Paris serves as the vice chair of the Mayor’s Multicultural Council and holds board positions with the Stamford Partnership and the Ferguson Library.

## Personal Life

In April 2024, Paris announced his engagement to Symphonie Privett, a morning news anchor and reporter at Fox 61. Privett, known for her exceptional journalism, she earned a nomination for a New England Emmy Award for her hosting of Fox 61's Juneteenth Special 'Rooted in Resilience.' Born into a Navy family in California, Privett's upbringing took her across the United States and around the world, eventually leading her to graduate from Arkansas State University. The couple met 2022, and began dating in 2023.
They reside in Stamford, Connecticut.