Dan was first elected in 2010 as the State Representative for the 2nd General Assembly district covering Bethel, Danbury, Newtown and Redding. He served three terms before leaving the legislature. Dan was the Ranking Member (Republican Leader) on the legislature’s General Law Committee and has served on the Education, Finance Revenue & Bonding, Public Health, Energy and Technology, and Banking committees.

Dan joined his fellow legislators in the House and Senate to support bi-partisan legislation aimed at giving small businesses the assistance they need to grow and create jobs. He has also been very active in the fight against overspending, tax increases and initiatives that inhibit job growth.

In addition to making job creation and opposition to tax increases a priority during his tenure, Dan has fought for a variety of other initiatives. He lead the effort in supporting the “Learn Here, Live Here” proposal which allows recent graduates of public institutions of higher education and vocational-technical high schools to set aside a portion of their state income tax liability to be used in a future down payment on their first home. He has also led the efforts to help families across the state through reforms in the Family Court system.

Additionally, he led the effort to block a proposal allowing sex offenders and other violent criminals to earn credits towards an early release for good behavior. Dan made staying in touch with his community a priority and has hosted a variety of in-district forums on the state budget and healthcare for seniors. He welcomes an open dialogue with constituents about everything from job creation to veterans’ affairs.

Before being elected to the General Assembly, Dan grew up in a strong community-oriented, middle-class family as the son of a police officer and a nurse. He was very active in his community as a Boy Scout and a member of a Sister City Youth Group. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Bowling Green University. While in college, Carter joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC program and graduated with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

After college, Dan attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese, AFB in Texas and eventually became a C-130 “Hercules” pilot. Carter served proudly in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm, and he also served two tours in Bosnia, supporting Operation Provide Promise, the largest humanitarian airlift in history. Additionally, he participated in missions supporting this country’s drug interdiction program in Central America.

After flying the C-130, Dan was assigned to a training base where he served as an instructor pilot in the T-28 Talon and the T-1A Jayhawk. While training pilots, Dan served in a variety of leadership roles and earned a Master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After leaving active duty, he served in the Air Force Reserve mentoring candidates for the United States Air Force Academy. His military dedication earned him the rank of Major and commendations that included the Meritorious Service Medal.

Private Sector

After his years of military service, Dan went on to work in the health care industry for 15 years. This experience gave him knowledge of the day to day needs of both patients and physicians. Working on the front lines of medicine has fueled his desire to improve the quality and cost of healthcare. Currently, Carter, who holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating, owns a small business providing consulting in the aviation industry.

Carter is a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dan is married and a proud father of two.

Honors and Awards

2011 Children’s Champion Award
Presented by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance annually for
exceptional work in support of children and families in Connecticut.

2014 Legislative Leadership Award
Presented by the Connecticut Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers for dedication
to ensuring continued access to high quality care within the ambulatory surgery care setting.

2015 William H. Ehlers, MD Advocacy Award
Presented by Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians for efforts
to promote the protection of patients and the practice of medicine.

2015 Greater Danbury Good Scouter Award
Presented for leadership in the community that helps to inspire future generations of young people.

2016 Fairfield County Medical Association’s Legislator of the Year Award
Presented for being a strong patient and physician advocate at the State Capitol and for his instrumental role
in helping to craft improvements to the Connecticut Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is aimed at addressing the opioid crisis.