State Senator Stephen Harding

State Senator Stephen Harding
Senate Minority Leader
Stephen Harding, named Senate Minority Leader in 2024, represents Connecticut’s 30th Senate District. He was first elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving four terms in the 107th House District. A lawyer and Brookfield resident for nearly 30 years, Senator Harding has been involved with local boards and is a coach for youth sports. He serves as Ranking Member of the Environment Committee and Legislative Management Committee. He is also a member on the Education, Finance, and Judiciary Committees.
Latest News
Explore the latest news and updates about State Senator Stephen Harding.
News
05/21/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on CSCU Completely Redacting $400 K Cheng Report
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the CSCU system completely redacting a public document which details what former CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng is doing with Connecticut taxpayer dollars. (https://www.wfsb.com/2026/05/20/i-team-cscu-redacts-entire-summary-special-report-that-cost-400000/) “You simply cannot make this stuff up. Former Chancellor Cheng makes $440,000 a year. Doing what? We have no idea. This document cost $400,000 ... Stephen Harding
News
05/21/2026
“That’s false.” Senate GOP Statement on Electricity Costs
Sen. Stephen Harding and Sen. Ryan Fazio issued the following statement: “Regarding unaffordable electricity costs, Gov. Lamont actually just said, ‘What I can do, I am doing.’ That’s false. Gov. Lamont, just like the state Senate Democrats, opposes removing the hidden ‘public benefits’ tax from electric bills. He therefore opposes lowering ratepayers’ electricity bills by ... Stephen Harding
News
05/20/2026
CT Senate GOP Statement on 11 % Electric Rate Hike Proposal
For Immediate Release Sen. Stephen Harding and Sen. Ryan Fazio issued the following statement regarding the proposal to raise electric rates next year by an average of 11%. “As overburdened Connecticut families and businesses brace themselves for potential double-digit hikes next year, they should remember this: Two weeks ago, every State Senate Democrat lawmaker voted ‘no’ on legislation that ... Stephen Harding
News
05/19/2026
CT Senate GOP: New Law Does Nothing to Address “Wanda” Scandal
Sen. Stephen Harding and Sen. Rob Sampson issued the following statement regarding the governor’s signing of House Bill 5001. “Gov. Lamont has seen the viral videos of ‘Wanda’ stuffing Bridgeport ballot boxes which made Connecticut a national punchline. But this law does nothing to address that Bridgeport embarrassment. Rather than restoring confidence, this expands mail-in ... Stephen Harding
News
05/19/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on CSCU Scandal: “Clean Up The Mess”
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement: “On May 15, Gov. Lamont said he had full confidence in how the Board of Regents handled the complaint against former CSCU Interim Chancellor Maduko. On May 18, Gov. Lamont announced that the Board of Regents chair was out. Mr. Guay resigned. Mr. Guay says it was all ... Stephen Harding
News
05/18/2026
Sen. Harding Statement on CSCU Scandal & Guay Resignation
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement in reaction to the governor’s comments today regarding the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education and the resignation of Marty Guay as chair of the Board of Regents for Higher Education. “Less than three hours. This announcement comes less than three hours after several Senate Republicans sent ... Stephen Harding
News
05/18/2026
Sen. Harding: “Another Lamont administration scandal”
Hartford Courant May 15, 2026 The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities interim chancellor who resigned recently was under investigation for alleged sexual harassment of a coworker, which is documented in information the system released Friday. Interim Chancellor O. John Maduko was put on administrative leave from his post as leader of the state’s higher education ... Stephen Harding
News
05/13/2026
CT Senate GOP Statement on Dairy Farm $$$
Sen. Stephen Harding, Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Jeff Gordon and Sen. Eric Berthel issued the following statement regarding the release of funding to provide immediate relief to the state’s dairy farmers. “Seven weeks ago, Senate Republicans called on the governor to provide relief for local dairy farmers. There are only about 80 dairy farms remaining ... Stephen Harding
News
05/07/2026
Sen. Harding: “Promises made, promises broken”
Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) issued the following statement in reaction to Gov. Lamont’s press conference today: “Our absentee governor obviously wasn’t paying attention: Senate Republicans did present a budget alternative which was rejected by the Democratic supermajority. It contained $2 billion in tax cuts for individuals, families and farmers starting in 2027. It ... Stephen Harding
I’m excited to announce that the State Bond Commission approved new funding for Brookfield and Torrington!
$1.75 million in funding was awarded to the Brookfield Housing Authority for repairs to existing senior and disabled housing units. This will help support our community members and make vital, long-needed improvements to housing in our town.
$698,350 in Community Investment Funding was awarded to the City of Torrington for the Market Street Creatives Project. This funding will help transform the former Turner & Seymour building in Torrington into a vibrant business and cultural hub. Expanding the successful makerspace, this project will offer artist studios, coworking spaces, and a large event venue. The project will drive economic growth and provide a key space for community events and cultural activities!
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The rain didn’t stop us from honoring and paying tribute to the brave service members who defended our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I had the privilege of attending Memorial Day ceremonies today with my son and State Representative Billy Buckbee in New Milford and with State Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes at the American Legion Post 27. 🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less


Today, we pause to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we hold dear come at a profound cost. We are forever grateful to those who have served and protected our country. We will never forget. ... See MoreSee Less
