VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have lived in Newington since 1963. I graduated from Newington High School in 1979, the University of Connecticut in 1983 and the UConn Law School in 1983. I am married to Kathleen Murphy and am father to Ted and Evan and stepfather to Alex and George. I practiced law for 32 years before retiring in 2018 to focus exclusively on serving as a probate judge. I have been a lector at St. Mary's Church since 1986 and have been a long-time member and past president of the Newington Rotary Club and the Newington Student Assistance Fund. I am a regular blood donor having donated 137 pints lifetime.

My successful twenty-year history as a probate judge makes me the best choice to continue serving in this position. During my tenure, I have presided over approximately 20,000 matters on just about every issue that can be brought before a probate court. My service to the probate court system has been recognized by my service on continuing educational seminar panels for probate judges on best practices and being named as a co-recipient of the 2026 Daniel F. Caruso Public Service Award for contributions to the probate court system. My lengthy service and experience give me a unique understanding as to what the parties who come before me are going through. In my court, parties are able to be heard as to their concerns within the boundaries of the law and are treated with respect and empathy.

My name is Julie Costello. I am an attorney with 21 years of experience. I live in Old Wethersfield with my husband, Matt, who is also an attorney. I am a graduate of the Quinnipiac University School of Law. I am running as the Republican endorsed candidate for Judge of Probate District 07, which encompasses the towns of Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. I am a moderate, Republican who is always open to hearing new ideas and points of view.

I served as the Staff Attorney for the Hartford Probate Court, which is one of the busiest probate courts in the state. I am a trained mediator, which makes me well versed in diffusing emotional situations. I am also an experienced trial attorney who is comfortable in a courtroom conducting hearings. I believe I can use my experience to make the probate process easier for families in Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. If elected I will conduct frequent community outreach sessions where members of the community can ask me questions directly. I will train staff to help you through these complex situations with patience and understanding. I will end the practice of transferring children's matters to a regional court in East Hartford. We will keep children's matters in our jurisdiction where they belong.