Karen Reddington-Hughes has lived and worked in Woodbury, Connecticut since 1990. A dedicated public servant, small business owner, and community leader, she has spent decades strengthening local businesses, preserving Woodbury’s historic character, and promoting responsible economic development—and she’s running to protect what makes our communities worth calling home. Karen understands the pressure families and local businesses are under—from rising costs to increasing regulations. She’s lived it, not just talked about it.
Karen currently serves as State Representative for Connecticut’s 66th District, representing Bethlehem, Litchfield, Morris, Warren, and Woodbury. Karen is focused on the issues that matter most:
- Defending individual freedoms, including parents’ rights in education and the ability to make personal health decisions without unnecessary government interference
- Keeping taxes under control so families and seniors can afford to stay
- Supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy
- Protecting our towns’ character while allowing smart, responsible growth
- Fighting for local decision-making, not mandates from Hartford
Karen doesn’t come from politics—she comes from the community. She’s worked alongside local business owners, served on town boards, and helped build initiatives that bring visitors and revenue into our region.
Her approach is simple: listen to residents, make practical decisions, and always put the community first.
She is also a four-term Selectman for the Town of Woodbury, bringing years of municipal leadership and governance experience. She’s built a record of standing up for taxpayers, supporting local businesses, and protecting the character of our towns from over-development and one-size-fits-all policies.
In addition to her public service, Karen is the longtime owner and operator of Abrash Galleries Oriental Rugs and Antiquities, a Main Street business she has run for over 22 years. Her firsthand experience as a small business owner informs her commitment to fostering a vibrant local economy.
She has played a key role in regional economic initiatives, including co-creating the Connecticut Antiques Trail (SB327) in partnership with State Senator Rob Kane. She has also been actively involved with the Western Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau, supporting tourism and cultural development across the region.
Karen is a co-founder of the Woodbury CT Chamber of Commerce, serving as its first president, and has held leadership roles including President of the Woodbury Antiques Dealers Association and Chairman of the Woodbury Business & Economic Development Committee.
Her community involvement spans numerous organizations. She has served on the Library Board of Trustees, is a founding member and board member of the Connecticut Summer Opera Foundation, and contributes to local initiatives through the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, Flanders Nature Center Art Committee, Woodbury Junior Women’s Club, and the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club.
Karen’s contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the Rosenberg Award for Community Service, the Governor’s Award for Tourism Partner of the Year, and two Paul Harris Fellow recognitions from Rotary International.
She has completed multiple leadership and governance programs, including The Campaign School at Yale, the Charter Oak Leadership Program, and the Western Connecticut Leadership Program through the Connecticut Community Foundation, as well as the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy in Pennsylvania.
Karen is married to John Hughes, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former U.S. Naval Officer. They have a son, John, a graduate of Nonnewaug High School.
