The Kid Governor’s Cabinet will be led by 2026 Kid Governor Theresa “Tessa” Hallinan and will include the six finalists in the 2025 Statewide Election. The Cabinet will meet monthly to advise Kid Governor-Elect Tessa, discuss how they can support Tessa’s campaign platform in their own communities, and collaborate as they advance their own three-point platforms.
Learn more about the 2026 Cabinet below and send your questions for the Cabinet to Cabinet@CT.KidGovernor.org.
Meet the Cabinet
Ajla Reci
School: Charles Wright Elementary School
Town: Wethersfield
Community Issue: Screen Time
Watch Ajla’s campaign video HERE.
Alyvia Stoddard
School: Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School
Town: Glastonbury (school), Stafford (home)
Community Issue: Marine Pollution
Watch Alyvia’s campaign video HERE.
Dylan Ellis
School: CREC Academy of International Studies Elementary School
Town: South Windsor (school), East Windsor (home)
Community Issue: Racism
Watch Dylan’s campaign video HERE.
Myra Ruparel
School: Center Elementary School
Town: Ellington
Community Issue: Social Inclusion
Watch Myra’s campaign video HERE.
Nana Appau
School: Odyssey Community School
Town: Manchester
Community Issue: Anxiety
Watch Nana’s campaign video HERE.
Samuel James
School: Renzulli Academy
Town: Hartford
Community Issue: Cyberbullying
Watch Samuel’s campaign video HERE.
“You each inspire me. Your platforms are so powerful, and I am so excited to work with you this year. I know we’re going to make an amazing team!”
– Kid Governor-Elect Tessa Hallinan about her Cabinet