State Representative Irene Haines serves the 34th District which includes the towns of East Haddam, East Hampton and Salem. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 and was elected to her fourth term in November 2024.

During the 2025 and 2026 term, Rep. Haines was named an Assistant House Republican Leader, and will serve on the Education Committee, Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, along with the Planning & Development Committee.

Haines’ work on the Education Committee involves all matters related to the Connecticut Department of Education and local boards of education.

Work on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee includes finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees, and taxation.  As well as employer contributions for unemployment compensation and all matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the revenue aspects of the Division of Special Revenue.

As a member of the Transportation Committee, Haines works on matters related to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A resident of East Haddam since 1996, she has been an active member of the community and her two daughters attended the local public schools.

She serves our community as a member of the Economic Development Commission. She has also served as President of the East Haddam Business Association, as a Founding Board Member of East Haddam News, a Business Sector Leader with the Local Prevention Council, former Girl Scout Troop Leader, and Founder & Former President of the Colchester Civic Orchestra. She currently serves as the First Selectman in the Town of East Haddam.

Professionally, Haines has worked as an insurance sales agent, marketing manager and small business owner.