Senator Witkos Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

January 20, 2022

Hartford, CT – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) has announced that he will not seek re-election to the State Senate in the fall of 2022.

 

Senator Witkos has served as State Senator for the 8th District for the past 14 years and previously served as State Representative for the 17th House District representing Avon and Canton for 6 years, he is the longest serving Senator from the 8th District.

 

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to have served as in the Connecticut General Assembly for the past 20 years.   During this time, I have served on nearly every legislative committee which has provided me a great opportunity to have an impact on nearly all aspects of our daily lives.  From Public Safety, Higher Education, Energy & Technology and more, I have truly valued the chance to shape our state and to have worked with so many dedicated staff and legislators” said Senator Witkos.

 

“During my time in office I’ve dealt with the resignation of a Governor, budget crises, a tied senate membership, and most recently an unprecedented pandemic which continues to impact our lives in a significant way.  Through it all, I’ve sought to work in a bipartisan way to best represent the residents I serve and to make the 8th District, and the state of Connecticut, the best it can be.  I’m proud of my reputation as someone who can work with others to get things done and I look back on my time in office with pride.  I’m immensely grateful for the support the residents of the 8th District have placed in me these past years and I truly value the connections and friendships I’ve made with people across all 11 towns.  I am looking forward to my final upcoming legislative session, beginning February 9th” added Senator Witkos

 

Senator Witkos commitment to public service began as a high school volunteer with the Granby EMS (GEMS) and continued through his time with the Canton Volunteer Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Chief.  He was first elected to the Canton Board of Education before being elected to the state House of Representatives.

 

During his time in office, he has focused on issues such as promoting computer science instruction in K-12 schools; increasing public safety and supporting law enforcement; creating the first in the nation “Green Bank” and working with the Department of Consumer Protection to increase safeguards for consumers and supporting regulatory changes to promote business growth; and enacting fiscal controls such as a volatility cap and bond cap, which have recently shown to be beneficial in light of a surging rainy day fund.

 

Senator Witkos is also extremely proud of his work to promote and support a state constitutional amendment which implemented increased oversight and control over the sale or transfer of state-owned public lands.

 

Throughout his tenure as a State Senator, Witkos has maintained an active presence throughout the 11 towns of the 8th Senate District.  He created a Veterans of the Month program; a Small Business Spotlight Tour; American Flag proper disposal drive and frequently visited organizations, civic groups, individuals, and businesses throughout the Farmington Valley and Northwest Corner to best hear and address the concerns and needs of the district.

 

Upon his retirement from the General Assembly, Senator Witkos looks forward to spending more time with his family, focusing on his full-time job, and re-joining the Canton Volunteer Fire Department.