Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration 2025

On January 24th, we had the pleasure of photographing the Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration 2025!

What is the Connecticut Kid Governor?

The Connecticut Kid Governor program involves fifth graders from all over the state. Above all, it gives students the chance to learn about state government, elections, and voting.

Students from public, private, magnet, charter, and home schools all participate. First, they choose a community issue they care about. Then, they create a platform with three main ideas and make campaign videos. Additionally, schools hold primaries, pick nominees, and each school sends a winner to the statewide election. After that, in November, fifth graders across Connecticut cast their votes. The winner serves as the Connecticut Kid Governor for one year! As a result, this program shows that you are never too young to make a difference and speak up for your community.

Inauguration Day 2025

The Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration celebrates the winner’s hard work and marks the beginning of their year in office. The 2025 Kid Governor is Keudy Martinez!

Keudy is a fifth grader at H.S. Chase Elementary School in Waterbury. He ran on the platform of “Speaking Up for Safe & Happy Schools.” A little about Keudy: he loves playing football, spending time with friends, and learning new things. He is confident that his leadership can create a safer, happier environment for all fifth graders in Connecticut. His three main points to address this issue are:

1. Stop bullying by supporting classmates and reporting unsafe behavior.
2. Encourage 5th graders to start mental health awareness groups or clubs in their schools.
3. Promote buddy systems in schools to make sure no one feels alone.

The Connecticut Kid Governor Inauguration on January 24th was filled with excitement. Keudy and his cabinet (the six runners-up) were sworn into office at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford.

Keudy, along with his mom and sisters, arrived in style, escorted by police from Waterbury! He was beaming with excitement for the big day ahead.

The event kicked off with a farewell speech from 2024 Kid Governor Cristiano Almeida. He gave a heartfelt speech, describing his hard work over the year and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. Great job, Cristiano!

The celebration included a formal inauguration ceremony, a news conference with Kid Governor-elect Keudy and his Cabinet, and an educational program with elected officials. Special guests included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, State Treasurer Erick Russell, Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker, State Senator Rob Sampson, State Representatives Michael DiGiovancarlo and Hilda Santiago, Supreme Court Justice Steven Ecker, retired Supreme Court Justice Dennis Eveleigh, and State Troubadour Kala Farnham. The event was emceed by Fox 61’s Keith McGilvery.

What a warm welcome to Office for Keudy and his cabinet members! We’re certainly excited to see the work they will do with their important platforms.

Finally, we can’t wait to see all that Keudy accomplishes as Connecticut’s Kid Governor this year!