
State Senator Paul Cicarella
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Paul Cicarella, elected in 2020, represents Connecticut’s 34th District. He is named the leading Republican on the legislature’s General Law and Public Safety and Security Committees, and returns on the Regulations Review, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Judiciary Committees. He also serves on the legislature’s newly formed Government Oversight Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management.
Paul is a small business owner, retired corrections officer and youth sports coach with a record of championing important initiatives focused on families, law enforcement, safety and security.
LATEST NEWS
Explore the latest news and updates about Senator Paul Cicarella.
News
10/05/2026
WFSB: CT Gas Tax Suspension Push Stalls as Lamont Presses for Funding Plan
Channel 3: State Sen. Paul Cicarella, R-North Haven, said suspending the 25-cent gas tax would save nearly $3 every fill-up. Republicans want the tax suspended for the rest of the year. Cicarella said, “We can easily do it now, and hopefully my colleagues aren’t putting politics over people.” William Washington, of New Haven, is retired ... Paul Cicarella
News
10/02/2026
Sen. Cicarella Calls for Immediate Gas Tax Relief: “Put People Over Politics”
Hartford— State Sen. Paul Cicarella, joined by House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, Rep. Dave Yaccarino, and Rep. Joe Zullo, is calling on Gov. Ned Lamont and the legislature’s Democratic majority to support immediate relief for Connecticut families by temporarily suspending the state taxes on gasoline and diesel through the end of the year. Connecticut drivers ... Paul Cicarella
News
09/22/2026
Sen. Cicarella Welcomes $1.5 Million for Overbrook Early Learning Center Expansion
East Haven— State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) today welcomed $1.5 million in Community Investment Fund support for Phase One of the planned expansion and modernization of the Overbrook Early Learning Center in East Haven. Sen. Cicarella has advocated for the project alongside House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, Rep. Joe Zullo, East Haven officials, the Board ... Paul Cicarella
News
09/10/2026
Sen. Cicarella: Fatal Bloomfield Crash Shows Why Connecticut Must Do More to Protect Tow Truck Operators
Hartford – State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34), Ranking Member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, issued the following statement following the death of tow truck operator Alexander John Ramos, who was struck and killed while working roadside in Bloomfield Tuesday night. “My heart goes out to Alex’s children, family, friends, coworkers, and the entire ... Paul Cicarella
News
08/17/2026
Hartford Violence: CT Senate GOP Statement
Several Senate Republican lawmakers are urging the Lamont administration to heed the call from the Hartford Police Union to step up the state’s collaboration with the city in addressing the spike in violence. “We urge the Lamont administration to listen to the understaffed Hartford Police Department, which is at a self-described ‘tipping point’. Collaborate. Be ... Paul Cicarella
News
05/18/2026
Sen. Cicarella Hosts Senior Fraud Awareness Informational Forum in Wallingford
Wallingford — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) hosted a Senior Fraud Awareness informational forum on May 13 at the Wallingford Senior Center alongside the AARP Fraud Watch Network, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, and the Wallingford Police Department in recognition of National Senior Fraud Awareness Day. The forum focused on helping seniors identify scams, ... Paul Cicarella
News
05/11/2026
Sen. Cicarella and Shoreline Delegation Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month at BHcare Event
North Branford— State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) joined members of the shoreline delegation, local officials, advocates, and community leaders at BHcare’s Mental Health Awareness Month press conference recognizing the importance of mental health awareness, treatment, and recovery. During the event, a citation was presented by members of the shoreline delegation, including Sen. Paul Cicarella, Sen. ... Paul Cicarella
News
05/08/2026
Sen. Cicarella Votes NO on H.B. 5043, Cites Failure to Address Violent Crime
Hartford — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R–34) released the following statement after voting against H.B. 5043: An Act Concerning Convertible Pistols, Unfinished Frames or Unfinished Lower Receivers, Voluntary Relinquishment of Firearms and Ammunition, and Refundability of Permits for Sale at Retail of Firearms and for Carrying of Pistols and Revolvers: “Session on May 5 continued ... Paul Cicarella
News
05/05/2026
Sen. Cicarella Votes “No” on Homeschool Bill: “Parents Should Not Be Forced to Co-Parent with the Government”
Hartford — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R–34) released the following statement following passage of legislation H.B. 5468 on May 4 impacting homeschool families in Connecticut: “I strongly opposed this bill because it’s a clear step toward government overreach. Parents, not the state, should be making decisions about their children’s education. For months, we heard directly ... Paul Cicarella
Early voting in Connecticut starts tomorrow, Monday, October 19!
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 1, giving Connecticut residents 14 days to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.
Early Voting Hours:
October 19 – November 1: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October 27 & 29: Extended hours, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Remember, your early voting location may be different from your regular Election Day polling place.
You can find voting information and locations at MyVote.CT.gov.
Whether you vote early or on Election Day, your voice matters!
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Congratulations to North Haven’s Lucas John Santanello on earning the rank of Eagle Scout!
It was an honor to present him with a legislative citation recognizing this outstanding achievement.
As a member of Troop 633 and a recent graduate of North Haven High School, Lucas has demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to serving others.
For his Eagle Scout project, he designed and built a flag retirement drop box for VFW Post 12106 in Branford, giving residents a place to respectfully retire worn American flags.
Lucas, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! Thank you for your hard work, your patriotism, and your service to our community. Wishing you continued success in all that you do! 🇺🇸
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Connecticut families need relief at the pump and we have the ability to do something about it.
Recently I joined Mike Hydeck on NBC Connecticut’s Face the Facts to discuss our proposal to temporarily suspend Connecticut’s gas and diesel taxes through the end of the year.
We did this in 2022 when gas prices were high. Republicans and Democrats came together because families needed relief. There’s no reason we can’t work together again.
Connecticut has a surplus in its Special Transportation Fund, and we’re calling for a special session to put some of that money back into the pockets of hardworking families.
We’re elected to represent the people of Connecticut, and we have a responsibility to use the tools available to us here at home.
This shouldn’t be about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about putting people over politics and providing relief when families need it most.
Watch my full interview below.
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