Two Guest Speakers Offer Insight for Hopkins Students into Local Politics

Students taking 21st Century Democracy in the Fall 2026 term had the opportunity to learn about local Connecticut politics from two candidates seeking state office in November 2026. History faculty John Roberts, Zoe Resch, and Scott Wich invited the candidates to share their experience and passion for holding office with their students.

On Thursday, September 24, Hopkins alum Eli Sabin ’18 spoke to three sections of 21st Century Democracy students in the Academic & Performing Arts Center (APAC) Theater. Sabin grew up in New Haven and attended Yale after graduating from Hopkins. During his sophomore year at Yale, he was elected as a New Haven Alder representing the Ward downtown that includes the Yale campus. After graduating, he served as an Alder for Ward 7, in the East Rock neighborhood, for four years. Sabin is currently running unopposed for State Representative of the 92nd district in New Haven, after winning the Democratic primary against a 42-year incumbent for the district. 

During his talk, Sabin shared how his political interests began while at Hopkins, where he took Atlantic Communities with Resch and 21st Century Democracy with Wich. 

A core requirement of 21st Century Democracy is to volunteer for a political campaign, an experience that fueled Sabin’s interest to become more involved in politics. 

Sabin also shared his belief that talking and listening to people is key to earning their vote and trust, whether they are constituents in his district or colleagues at the state level. 

“It's a thrill to see him succeed after pounding the pavement and polishing his public speaking,” said his former teacher Resch. “Now our students have learned more about what is involved with running for office, and, perhaps, will run for office themselves one day.”

On Tuesday, September 29, past Hopkins parent Jennifer Tooker spoke to the same history students in the APAC Theater. Tooker, mom to Hopkins alumni Riley ’21 and Nicole ’26, is currently running as a Republican candidate for State Comptroller. She described the role as essentially the CFO for the state and argued the position requires someone with financial experience and deep understanding.  

During her talk, she shared her early professional experience as an international reinsurance executive based out of Chicago, London, and New York City. Her family put down roots in Westport twenty years ago, where she served a term as First Selectwoman, a term as Second Selectwoman, and held roles on Westport’s Board of Finance, Conservation Commission, and Board of Education.

“We cannot thank her enough for taking time out of her busy campaign schedule to spend an hour with our kids,” said Roberts.  “Her enthusiasm for service and community was unmistakable during her presentation. She in turn said the energy boost of spending time with Hopkins students was precisely what she needed to inspire her to keep pushing forward with her efforts!”