From local government to the Hall of the House, Jason Rojas is the first person of color to serve as one of legislature’s ‘big six’ leaders
A defining moment of Jason Rojas’ political career came just after he graduated from UConn. A proud East Hartford townie, Rojas wanted to serve in local government, and he was willing to start on the bottom rung.
“He told me he wanted to get involved and he wound up on the historic commission,” recalled Melody Currey, who was in the legislature at the time and has known Rojas for years.
Rojas spent part of his early 20s reviewing the paint colors and roof designs of residents who live within the historic district. That was followed by a term pondering the environmental impact of development plans as a member of the inland wetlands commission. He also served on the board of education, the town council and, since 2009, has been a state representative.