PROUDLY SERVING THE 16TH DISTRICT
State Senator Rob Sampson
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Rob Sampson, re-elected to a fourth term in 2024, represents Connecticut’s 16th District. He is the Ranking Member on the Government Administration & Elections Committee, the Housing Committee, and the Labor & Public Employees Committee. Rob is widely known as an advocate for America’s core principles, restoring our system of limited, representative, constitutional government, protecting private contracts and defending the natural rights of his constituents.
“I am honored to be chosen by the people of the 16th District as their voice at the State Capitol. I remain committed to defending our American principles of freedom, representation, limited constitutional self-government, and the rule of law. I believe that with hard work and our collective voices, Connecticut can become a safer and more affordable state with a bright future for all. As always, I will put in the hard work to make it happen.”
LATEST COLUMN
'As America Turns 250, Connecticut Families Are Being Left Behind' (May 2026)
As we approach the 250th anniversary as a nation, it should be a time to reflect on what has made America the greatest country in the world.
Yesterday was one of the proudest moments I’ve had in politics.
Ryan Fazio, my friend and colleague, was overwhelmingly chosen by Connecticut Republicans to be our nominee for Governor.
I have believed in Ryan from the beginning because I know the man. I know his character. I know his work ethic. I know his intelligence, his discipline, and his genuine love for this state and country.
Ryan is not running because he wants a title. He is running because he believes Connecticut can be better, more affordable, more accountable, and more hopeful.
That message should speak to everyone, not just Republicans. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or unaffiliated voter, if you are tired of high taxes, crushing electric rates, and decades of the same failed direction in Hartford, Ryan Fazio is offering a better way forward.
I am proud to stand with my friend. I am excited for the campaign ahead. And I cannot wait to work with Governor Ryan Fazio to help turn Connecticut around.
Onward to November. Let’s go win this.
👇⚖️ U.S. Justice Department Sues Connecticut Over Federal Agent Restrictions - Hartford
📍Hartford, CT
📅 May 15, 2026
📻 Key Details Reported
-- U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit challenging Connecticut Senate Bill 397, recently signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont
-- Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, and Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Eliot Prescott named as defendants
-- Lawsuit argues Connecticut unlawfully attempted to regulate federal law enforcement operations under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution
-- Justice Department seeking to block portions of the law involving federal officer identification requirements, face covering restrictions, and use-of-force oversight
📝 Additional Details
-- Connecticut law prohibits federal officers from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public and requires visible badges and name tags during operations
-- Law also subjects federal officers to Connecticut use-of-force standards and potential state criminal prosecution in certain incidents
-- DOJ stated violations of the law could expose federal officers to misdemeanor criminal charges punishable by up to 30 days in jail
-- Federal officials argued the law could expose agents to harassment, doxing, and safety risks during operations
-- Connecticut lawmakers stated the legislation was intended to increase accountability and protect constitutional rights during federal enforcement operations
-- Similar federal lawsuits have recently been filed against New York, New Jersey, and California over related laws targeting federal immigration enforcement activity
#hartfordct #connecticut
On the final day of session, known as “Sine Die,” I offered 8 commonsense amendments to strengthen election integrity in H.B. 5001, the Democrats’ bill expanding universal mail-in voting in Connecticut.
Voter ID. Signature verification. Stronger fraud penalties. Safeguards against ballot harvesting.
Every single amendment was rejected on a party-line vote.
Democrats expanded mail-in voting while voting down basic protections designed to increase public confidence in our elections.
Connecticut residents deserve elections they can trust, not politicians simply telling them to “trust the process.”
Watch my full remarks here: youtu.be/vJ0CTSzVfEk?si=t2l18NYzLyx5H7wE