In 1995, Candelora earned a JD degree from Pennsylvania State University's Dickinson School of Law.

[1] Candelora's political career began as a council member of North Branford, Connecticut, where he served three terms.

On November 8, 2016, Candelora defeated Vincent Mase and won the General election.

[3][4] Candelora is a Republican member of the Connecticut State House of Representatives for District 86, serving his 7th term.

[1][5] Candelora's district includes the communities of Northford, North Guilford, Durham, and Wallingford.