Keith Denning
BIOGRAPHY
“Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.” - Ralph Ellison
Former Connecticut State Representative, 42nd District
Keith Denning is a Democratic politician and retired Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist residing in Wilton, Connecticut. A Wilton resident since 2017. Mr. Denning moved to Connecticut to be closer to his family after practicing many years in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a healthcare provider, he had a front-row view of the COVID-19 pandemic — including being laid off when elective procedures were paused, then returning to care for COVID patients while quarantining with his own grandchildren, an experience that shaped his interest in public service, particularly around children’s emotional health.
Before running for office, he served on Wilton’s Board of Zoning Appeals and was active with the Wilton Democratic Town Committee, the Board of Connecticut Nurse Anesthetists, and the Cincinnati’s Archdiocesan Social action commission. He took part in medical mission trips to Cambodia, Nicaragua, Russia, Paraguay, the West Bank and Gaza.
In 2021, at age 63, he ran for a seat on Wilton’s Board of Selectmen, campaigning on revitalizing Wilton’s town center, diversifying housing options — including for downsizing seniors and young families — and improving maintenance and planning for town infrastructure so Wilton could host more community events. He did not win that race.
In 2022, Denning ran for the newly created 42nd State House District, covering Wilton and parts of New Canaan and Ridgefield, winning the seat by defeating Republican Kim Healy. Committee Chair Tom Dubin praised his ability to bring people together and put “progress over partisanship.” During his term, he served on the Transportation, Public health, and Insurance and Real Estate committees, and backed income tax cuts, increased school funding, a prescription drug discount card program as well as restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. He chose not to seek reelection, announcing that decision in early 2024.
