


Heather Somers, elected in 2016, represents Connecticut’s 18th district. She is a Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader and serves as Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Heather has been recognized as a champion of important initiatives in health care, tourism, mental health, senior housing and elder care. She is also a former councilwoman and mayor in her native Groton.
Explore the latest news and updates about Senator Heather Somers.
03/04/2026
Prior to today’s announcement of Waterbury Hospital becoming the first of three hospitals expected to join the newly created $400 million UConn Health Community Network, Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Heather Somers and Sen. Ryan Fazio are raising concerns regarding the credibility of the chief executive officer of the University of Connecticut Health Center. (View the ... Heather Somers
03/03/2026
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 ... Heather Somers
02/10/2026
HARTFORD, CT—State Senator Heather Somers (R–Groton), Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, today echoed the affordability plan put forward by Senate Republicans to cut Connecticut’s income tax and provide lasting relief to working families. “This is real money for real people, money they can count on year after year,” said Senator Somers. “It’s not a ... Heather Somers
02/10/2026
“Can’t Afford CT… …Can’t Afford CT Democrats!” CT Senate GOP Unveils Plan to Effectively Eliminate the Car Tax for the Working Class, Reduce Electricity Bills and Deliver Working Class Income Tax Relief Proposals Would Permanently Reduce Burdens by Thousands of Dollars (WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE.) The Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus today unveiled a comprehensive ... Heather Somers
02/03/2026
Several Connecticut Senate Republican lawmakers are calling for the resignation of Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias after Dias’ recent statement about “armed ICE agents operating in and around schools, disrupting learning, shattering a sense of safety, and filling families and staff with anxiety.” https://cea.org/statement-from-cea-president-kate-dias-on-violence-involving-ice-and-need-for-safe-welcoming-schools/ “The statement is 100 % false, wrong, irresponsible and blatant ... Heather Somers
01/21/2026
Several Senate Republicans, including Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Ryan Fazio, Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Eric Berthel, and Sen. Jason Perillo today issued the following statement regarding the blocked sale of Aquarion Water Company: “A ‘costly loser’. That’s what Attorney General Tong called this atrocious backroom deal which will bring about a tsunami of endless water ... Heather Somers
01/19/2026
CT Senate Republicans, including Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Ryan Fazio, and Sen. Jeff Gordon, issued the following statement regarding the changes made to Public Act 490 today ahead of the Jan. 20 public forum with farmers. “This happened thanks to our hard-working Connecticut farmers who have spoken out and the 20,000 people ... Heather Somers
01/15/2026
Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Ryan Fazio, Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Tony Hwang, and Sen. Eric Berthel today issued the following statement regarding a Connecticut judge’s rejection of state regulators’ denial of the Aquarion Water merger. “We respectfully urge the Office of the Attorney General to appeal this decision. In November, we thanked PURA for voting ... Heather Somers
01/13/2026
CT Senate GOP: “We Have Connecticut Farmers’ Backs” Farmers Face Major Tax Hikes Sign the Petition at: www.SaveCTLand.org Watch the Press Conference here: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=25761 Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Jeff Gordon, Sen. Ryan Fazio and Sen. Stephen Harding today stood with Connecticut farmers who are facing major tax increases following changes to how state farmland is ... Heather Somers
This morning I had the pleasure of visiting a 5th grade class at Plainfield Memorial School as part of Read Across America Week. I enjoyed reading with the students and spending some time answering their thoughtful questions about what it’s like to serve in the Connecticut legislature.
The class asked some great questions about how laws are made, what a typical day at the Capitol looks like, and how I represent the communities in our district. It’s always encouraging to see students so curious and engaged.
Thank you to Ms. Malone and everyone at Plainfield Memorial School for the warm welcome and for promoting a love of reading. ❤️📚
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I commend Ned Lamont for using his line-item veto authority to strike millions in earmarked funding from SB 298. Reforming the earmark process has been a shared priority, and this action helps ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently.
As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve been clear: projects receiving public funds must go through proper review and vetting. I’m grateful the Governor listened to Senate Republicans on this issue, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen accountability and create a more open, transparent process for allocating state resources.
Connecticut families deserve fiscal responsibility and that’s exactly what we’re fighting for.
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Nothing brings people together like a little friendly competition and a lot of great chowder!
Today at the Olde Mistick Village Charity Chowder Cook Off, I had the honor of serving as a judge alongside my dad, Roger Sherman, local shellfish commissioner, better known as the “Clam Cop.” We sampled some incredible chowders and most importantly helped support Always Home and the incredible work they do for families in our community.
Thank you to Always Home for organizing such a meaningful event, and to all the chefs, volunteers, and attendees who made it such a success. What a great day in Mystic!
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