

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.
05/02/2025
Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Eric Berthel, Sen. Jason Perillo, Sen. Rob Sampson, Sen. Henri Martin, Sen. Paul Cicarella, and Sen. Stephen Harding today urged Connecticut homeschooler families to attend a Homeschooling Informational Hearing at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 5 in Room 2 E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. (YouTube hearing link here: ... Heather Somers
04/23/2025
Sen. Heather Somers, Ranking Senator on the Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the Democrats’ Appropriations Committee budget bill. “Majority Democrat legislators at the State Capitol want to raise your taxes. That’s their message to Connecticut. They think you don’t pay enough in taxes. Gov. Lamont notes how this budget ... Heather Somers
04/23/2025
Sen. Heather Somers, Sen. Jeff Gordon and Sen. Stephen Harding today issued the following statement regarding their vote in the Appropriations Committee to double the state grant for special education while offsetting those new funds with a corresponding reduction for higher education. “Budgets are about priorities. Senate Republicans support more funding – full funding – ... Heather Somers
04/15/2025
HARTFORD, CT—Senator Heather Somers (R—Groton) released the following statement regarding today’s Senate Session, and boycott of the vote for PURA Commissioner Marissa Gillett’s re-nomination: “Today, I chose to walk out with my Senate Republican colleagues rather than cast a vote on the re-nomination of Marissa Gillett. At a time when we should be voting for ... Heather Somers
04/14/2025
HARTFORD, CT – Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) today applauded the final approval by the State Bond Commission of critical bonding funds for several significant projects in the 18th District. These include $250,000 for upgrades at the Mystic & Noank Library, $250,000 for marina construction in Stonington, and $8 million for environmental remediation at the former ... Heather Somers
04/10/2025
Sen. Heather Somers and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the Lamont administration seeking to add former federal employees to the state government workforce. (https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/connecticut-hiring-federal-employees-doge-20262688.php) “This is puzzling. It seems like one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing in the Lamont administration. Last month, the Lamont administration issued hiring restrictions while ... Heather Somers
04/08/2025
HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) applauded the passage of Senate Bill 1435 out of the Judiciary Committee, a significant step forward in supporting incarcerated mothers and preserving family bonds. This bill would allow incarcerated mothers to breastfeed their infants during visitation, received broad support for its focus on the health, dignity, and ... Heather Somers
04/08/2025
Sen. Heather Somers, Ranking Senator on the Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Stephen Harding today issued the following statement regarding the governor’s proposal to create a “Universal Childcare Endowment.” “Republicans believe early child care is very important. But this so-called ‘endowment’ is really an off-budget slush-fund. It’s also a fiscal guardrail breaker and a future tax ... Heather Somers
04/08/2025
Sen. Heather Somers and Sen. Stephen Harding applauded the Judiciary Committee’s unanimous Apr. 7 vote to advance legislation to regulate the controversial deep fake images that are created by artificial intelligence. (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/TOB/S/PDF/2025SB-01440-R00-SB.PDF) “The unchecked proliferation of AI-generated pornography poses a grave threat to individual privacy, mental well-being, and societal trust,” Somers and Harding said. “To ... Heather Somers
Thank you to our Mystic Aquarium for all you do to rehabilitate and save marine life! ... See MoreSee Less
Meet the New England team working to rescue the seals
nbcct.co
The Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Team in Connecticut says it has seen an "alarming" spike in the number of animals tangled up in fishing gear and garbage.
A big thank you to our intern, Conor Grew, for his outstanding service during the 2025 Legislative Internship Program!⭐️
Conor’s compassion, work ethic, and attention to detail were evident in everything he did. It was a pleasure to recognize him with an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly. We wish him continued success in all his future endeavors!
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Thank you to Pfizer and BioNTech for visiting the State Capitol today as part of phRMA Lobby Day. It was a pleasure to welcome you to my office and hear about the great work you’re doing. Always proud to see some of our largest employers leading the way in the 18th District, making an impact both locally and globally! ... See MoreSee Less