
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
11/09/2026
Joint Statement from Senate Republican Minority Leader Rob Sampson and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Eric Berthel
Hartford – State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) has been selected Senate Republican Minority Leader, with State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32) serving as Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore. The senators issued the following joint statement: “The Nov. 4 election results were a serious setback for Connecticut Republicans. Many voters who have supported Republican candidates are asking ... Home
News
11/02/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on U.S. Sen. Murphy’s Hospitalization
CT Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s hospitalization. “Our thoughts are with Sen. Murphy and his family. We are encouraged to learn that Sen. Murphy is responding well to treatment and making progress. We wish him a swift and full recovery.”
News
10/27/2026
Tolls on CT Roads? Sen. Harding Statement
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the report issued by the Connecticut Citizens Assembly on Property Taxes which recommends that tolls be installed on CT roads. “Taxpayers remember how Connecticut Democrats have pushed hard for tolls. The original proposal was for 82 toll collecting gantries across Interstates 84, 91, and 95, as well ... Home
News
10/18/2026
Joint Special Edition Column: ‘Connecticut Can Do Better’
By: State Senator Rob Sampson and State Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco Open your electric bill. Open your property tax bill. Look at what it costs to fill your tank or keep the lights on. Then ask a simple question: after nearly forty years of Democratic control in the state House and thirty in the Senate, are ... Home
News
10/13/2026
CT GOP Statement on Low-income Energy Assistance $$$
Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding and House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora issued the following statement regarding the state’s plan to increase low-income energy assistance this winter. “Connecticut Republicans have consistently pressed to deliver much needed relief to families struggling with soaring energy and home heating oil costs. We hope this money gets to where it ... Home
News
10/11/2026
Senate GOP Statement re: Gas Tax
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding Gov. Lamont publicly blaming super minority legislative Republicans for his failed gas tax suspension. “Seven months ago, Republicans wrote to Gov. Lamont. Read the letter, We offered to meet in bipartisan fashion. We were encouraging him to move forward and provide much needed gas tax relief. He ... Home
News
10/08/2026
Sen. Dr. Jeff Gordon Applauds $10,092 Investment in Downtown Vernon Mural Project
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Jeff Gordon (R – Woodstock) is applauding the successful fundraising campaign for Threads of Community: A Welcome Mural, a community-led project that will bring new public artwork to Vernon’s historic downtown and Cultural District. The project raised $5,092 through community crowdfunding and received an additional $5,000 matching grant from Sustainable ... Home
News
10/07/2026
Opinion | Enough is Enough – Cornellians Working Across the Political Aisle to Demand that Women Alleging Sexual Assault Are Taken Seriously on College Campuses
By State Sen. Tony Hwang (Cornell ’87); State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (Cornell ’01); Professor Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox (Cornell M.A. ’00, Ph.D. ’02); Grace Hwang (Cornell ’86) It’s ironic that a university founded in 1868 as an institution that welcomed women from its inception is currently at the center of national rebuke over its treatment of ... Home
News
10/07/2026
Sen. Dr. Jeff Gordon Calls for More Tax Relief as Connecticut Projects Another BIG Budget Surplus
HARTFORD, CT – In response to the state expecting yet another year of big budget surpluses and maintaining record huge money reserves, State Senator Jeff Gordon (R – Woodstock) is again calling for additional tax relief for Connecticut residents, families, seniors, and small businesses. Sen. Gordon made the following remarks: Connecticut taxpayers are entitled to ... Home
FEATURED STORY
CT GOP Will Push for Significant Relief at the Pump, Income and Property Tax Relief, Elimination of the Public Benefits Charge and Lower Health Insurance Premiums
OUR COMMUNITY
Join our community on social media for the latest news and updates.
State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) has been selected as Senate Republican Minority Leader, with State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32) serving as Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore.
The senators issued the following joint statement:
“The Nov. 4 election results were a serious setback for Connecticut Republicans. Many voters who have supported Republican candidates are asking whether those positions still have a voice in Hartford. They do. We know what we stand for, we know who we represent, and we remain firmly committed to the principles we believe in.
We extend our sincere gratitude to former Senate Republican Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-30) for his dedicated service, integrity, and leadership through challenging times. His commitment to Connecticut and the principles of our party will not be forgotten, and we know he will continue to play an important role in the work ahead.
Connecticut is entering an historic period of one-party control. The Democratic supermajority will control 33 of the Senate’s 36 seats, giving them the votes to advance their agenda without the need for a single Republican vote. With that level of power, there will be no question about who is responsible for the decisions made in Hartford.
For years, Republicans have sounded the alarm over Connecticut’s excessive taxes, skyrocketing electric rates, and crushing cost of living. The problem has not been silence. The problem has been results. These problems did not happen overnight, and Democrats cannot continue pointing fingers at Washington while ignoring the consequences of their own decisions right here at home. The Democrats have controlled our state’s government for decades. They will need to answer for their record.
But Republicans must also recognize where we have fallen short. Part of the problem has been a media environment that rarely treats our arguments fairly. Part has been an overwhelming Democratic majority that has faced little real accountability. And part has been too many Republicans in positions of authority who were satisfied simply to remain in the minority, or willing to set our principles aside the moment they thought it might help them win a news cycle. We need stronger candidates, a more effective operation, consistent communication, and the conviction to stand by our principles. We cannot rebuild public trust by abandoning those principles for political convenience.
As the new leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus, we intend to be unapologetic about what we stand for: individual liberty, constitutional rights, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. We believe Connecticut residents deserve to keep more of what they earn and make their own decisions without unnecessary government interference.
We will challenge bad legislation, demand answers, and expose government overreach. We will make sure Connecticut residents understand exactly what is happening inside their State Capitol, what their elected officials are proposing, how they are voting, and what those decisions mean for their families. We will document the path they take, vote by vote.
To everyone who voted Democrat because you are frustrated with the direction of the country or the cost of living: you will now get a clear look at what large Democratic majorities in Hartford choose to do with the authority they have. They did not suddenly inherit the high electric rates, the taxes, or the cost of housing and energy. Those have been building under Democratic control for years. Over the next two years they will have more power than they have had in a generation. You can decide whether you like the results.
Three Republicans cannot outvote 33 Democrats. That’s a fact. But we can question them, challenge them, expose the consequences of their decisions, and ensure their actions do not go unnoticed.
Being outnumbered does not mean being powerless, and it certainly does not mean being silent.”
-Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16)
-Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32)
...
🗳️It's Election Day in Connecticut! Don’t sit this one out. This is your chance to make your voice heard about the issues that matter to you and your family. Polls across Connecticut are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Voting information is available at myvote.ct.gov. ...
🎃👻Happy Halloween! The jack-o'-lanterns are glowing and the candy bowls are full. Ghosts, goblins and superheroes will be out in full force tonight. Wishing everyone a frightfully fun Halloween ...
