
Photo: Eugene Driscoll
State Rep. Kara Rochelle waits for results with campaign manager Zani Imetovski.
ANSONIA — State Rep. Kara Rochelle won a second, two-year term in the state House of Representatives Tuesday.
Unofficial results from Rochelle’s campaign showed her receiving 5,470 votes in Derby and Ansonia compared to opponent Myra Rivers’ 3,824.
Rochelle is a Democrat who lives in Ansonia. Rivers is a Republican from Ansonia.
“I’m just so grateful to all the residents for entrusting me with a second term,” Rochelle told The Valley Indy at her campaign headquarters on Main Street in Ansonia. “I care so much about the people in this community, and I care so much about building this community up. I look forward to helping trying to revitalize this region and steering us through this most difficult time and putting us on a track that will put each family and each person into a stable, more prosperous place.”
Rivers told Hearst Connecticut this race was her first and that she plans to run for office again.
In a post on the Rivers campaign’s Facebook page, Rivers said:
“I want to congratulate State Representative Kara Rochelle on her win and wish her well on a second term. For the good of Ansonia and Derby, I wish her success.”
The Republicans focused almost exclusively on Rochelle’s vote in favor of a “police accountability” bill that became law in the wake of George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minnesota police.
Zani Imetovski, Rochelle’s campaign manager, said Rochelle concentrated on issues that connected with Ansonia and Derby voters — health care, jobs and economic development.
Rochelle said the COVID-19 pandemic took priority over traditional campaigning in this election cycle.
“At the height of the pandemic I did not devote my time toward campaigning. There were people that needed things in this community, so I was focused on taking care of the residents,” she said.

Photo: Eugene Driscoll
State Rep. Rochelle takes a photo to post to social media showing she is still representing Derby & Ansonia in Hartford.