Welcome to the Connecticut Senate Republican Office!
Our mission is to promote conservative values, strengthen communities, and build a better future for all. Leading through a lens of intention and compassion, we advocate for policies that drive economic growth, protect individual freedoms, and ensure a government that serves the people.
Meet Our State Senators
Our State Senators are dedicated leaders, each bringing their unique expertise to advance common sense policies, strengthen our communities, and build a brighter future for Connecticut.
View AllState Senator Stephen Harding
Senate Minority Leader
Represents: Bethlehem, Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Fairfield, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Sherman, Torrington, Warren, Washington, and Winchester
LEARN MOREState Senator Henri Martin
Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore
Represents: Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, and Thomaston
LEARN MOREState Senator Rob Sampson
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Wolcott, and Waterbury
LEARN MOREState Senator Heather Somers
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown
LEARN MOREState Senator Paul Cicarella
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: Durham, East Haven, North Haven, Wallingford, and Northford
LEARN MOREState Senator Eric Berthel
Chief Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: Bethel, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury
LEARN MOREState Senator Tony Hwang
Chief Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: Bethel, Easton, Fairfield, and Newtown
LEARN MOREState Senator John A. Kissel
Chief Deputy Republican Leader
Represents: East Granby, Ellington, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks
LEARN MOREState Senator Jeff Gordon
Republican Whip
Represents: Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Stafford, Thompson, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Willington, and Woodstock
LEARN MORELatest News
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments from the Senate Republican Caucus.
News
03/03/2026
Senator Heather Somers Commends Governor Lamont’s Line-Item Vetoes of Funding in SB 298
HARTFORD, CT—State Senator Heather Somers (R–Stonington), Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, today commended Governor Lamont’s decision to use line-item veto authority to strike millions of dollars in earmarked funding from Senate Bill 298. The action follows proposals from both Senate Republicans and the governor aimed at reforming the earmark process. “I commend the governor ... Home
News
03/03/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on Line-Item Veto of Earmarks
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the governor’s line-item veto of more than $3.8 million in budget earmarks approved in last week’s ‘emergency’ session. “As Senate Democrats sheepishly admitted during the debate, they had no idea about who wanted this money or why. Millions of dollars of your money, unquestioned by the arrogant ... Home
News
03/01/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on Iran Attack
Sen. Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran: “As a nation, we pray for our brave service members and their families. We pray for the innocent people of Iran, we pray for Israel, and we pray for a swift and decisive victory which will lead to a ... Home
News
03/01/2026
Latest Column | ‘Distraction and Power: A Troubling Start to the 2026 Session’ (March 2026)
By: State Sen. Rob Sampson The 2026 legislative session is underway, and Connecticut residents are already seeing a familiar pattern: distraction at the microphone and consolidation of power in the fine print. Opening day made that clear. Instead of using his State of the State Address to confront affordability, electric bills, crime, fraud, and the ... Home
News
02/27/2026
Sen. Rob Sampson: Majority Uses “Emergency” Powers for Convenience, Not Crisis
Hartford — State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) delivered pointed remarks on the Senate floor Feb 25, criticizing the majority party’s 139-page, emergency-certified bill as a misuse of emergency authority that ignores the real crisis facing Connecticut residents. “The real emergency in Connecticut is affordability,” Sen. Sampson said. “Families are struggling to pay property taxes, electric ... Home
Audio
02/27/2026
Statement from Sen. Sampson Regarding Conditions at Countryside Apartments
Wolcott — Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) released the following statement regarding reports that elderly and disabled residents experienced difficulties during a recent blizzard: “What’s happening at Countryside Apartments is unacceptable. Residents were left unable to open their doors because snow and ice were not cleared in a timely manner. Some residents reportedly fell. Others feared ... Home
News
02/26/2026
Sen. Sampson’s Response to Speaker Ritter’s Attempt to Silence Senate Debate
Statement from Sen. Rob Sampson in Response to Speaker Ritter’s Attempt to Silence Senate Debate: “Let’s set the record straight. Yesterday’s Senate session lasted approximately six hours from start to finish, including all speakers from both parties. There was no filibuster. I spoke several times, never for more than an hour at a time and ... Home
News
02/26/2026
“Absurd”: Sen. Harding Statement Regarding Speaker of the House’s Comments
Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding today issued the following statement regarding the Speaker of the House’s comments today about Sen. . (http://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=26020&jump=0:09:15) “It’s absurd for supermajority Democrats to blame a single Republican Senator for their ineffectiveness in passing legislation. And what supermajority Democrats have done this week at the State Capitol is an unprecedented, disrespectful ... Home
News
02/26/2026
Senator Tony Hwang Raises Representative Due Process Concerns Over Emergency Certification Process; Supports Senate Bill 298 Despite Objections
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord John Acton (1834-1902) HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Tony Hwang (R–Fairfield) today voiced strong opposition to the disrespectful legislative process used to advance Senate Bill 298, an “emergency certified” measure encompassing nearly 100 sections and 50 legislative bills/concepts spanning budget appropriations, education, pension offsets, and ... Home
OUR COMMUNITY
Join our community on social media for the latest news and updates.
CT Democrats are trying to take away your gas-powered leaf blowers again!
And while they’re at it? They want to add MORE charges to the PUBLIC BENEFITS section of your electric bill.
Democrats keep doubling down on costly mandates while people struggle with affordability.
Make your voice heard by testifying at tomorrow’s Environment Committee public hearing at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building and via Zoom. More information and details about testifying are available in the comments below. ⬇️
... See MoreSee Less
View Comments
likes
haha
wow
sad
angry
68
Shares:
36
Comments:
24
It’s Déjà vu! Last session, CT Senate Democrats voted to support so-called “safe” drug use sites in Connecticut. They’re back at it again and just passed S.B. 195 through the Public Health Committee! This legislation promotes the use of illegal substances instead of offering real support and resources for those battling addiction.
Connecticut needs meaningful solutions that prioritize recovery and accountability, not government-sanctioned substance abuse.
... See MoreSee Less
View Comments
likes
haha
wow
sad
angry
248
Shares:
96
Comments:
52
CT Democrats called cutting the tax on school supplies a priority, then voted “NO” on our amendment that would have provided that very relief.
CT Senate Republicans won’t stop fighting to make our state more affordable for students and families! 📚
... See MoreSee Less
View Comments
likes
love
haha
wow
angry
53
Shares:
25
Comments:
11