Looney, a resident of New Haven, represents the eastern half of the city as well as parts of Hamden in the Connecticut Senate.

Looney was born in New Haven and graduated from Fairfield University and later received his M.A.

In 2001, Looney lost to incumbent John DeStefano Jr. in the Democratic primary for mayor of New Haven.

In 2013, weeks after the Sandy Hook mass shooting, Looney introduced 17 bills that would change firearm control and rights in Connecticut.

[4] Looney led the creation of Connecticut’s Earned Income Tax Credit in 2011 and has been influential in ensuring it remains a part of the state’s budget.