


John A. Kissel, serving his 16th term, represents Connecticut’s 7th District. He is the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Regulation Review Committee. He is also a member of the General Law Committee. For many years, John has been a leading advocate for seniors and has been recognized for his support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, safe housing and healthcare. He is also active in numerous civic organizations in his current hometown of Enfield.
Explore the latest news and updates about Senator John A. Kissel.
04/14/2026
03/12/2026
Enfield, CT – Sen. John A. Kissel (R–Enfield) issued the following statement on the death of an incarcerated individual at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield: “I was very troubled to learn of the death of an incarcerated individual early this morning at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution. My understanding is that correctional staff responded to ... John A. Kissel
02/13/2026
Sen. John A. Kissel, Sen. Eric Berthel, Sen. Jason Perillo, and Sen. Stephen Harding today issued the following statement regarding a report released by Disability Rights Connecticut and the state Office of the Child Advocate which is recommending that the state Department of Education provide more oversight of out-of-state special education schools where Connecticut students ... John A. Kissel
01/27/2026
Several CT Senate Republicans issued the following statement regarding the December 2025 employment report. (https://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi/laborsit.pdf) “Where’s the economic growth? It’s apparently not here in deep blue Connecticut. We lost 2,200 jobs in 2025. Our labor force is declining by tens of thousands of people. And our healthcare jobs? Anemic growth there, even as the rest ... John A. Kissel
12/20/2025
Disability Rights Connecticut released a report following an investigation into sexual misconduct at Connecticut’s only prison for women. It’s a 27-page report highlighting alarming problems if not corrected will only allow the problem to continue at a high rate, according to the civil rights agency. To discuss the report, we spoke with state Senator John ... John A. Kissel
12/16/2025
Sen. John A. Kissel, (R-Enfield), Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement regarding an investigation by a federally mandated civil rights agency which found an “alarming” amount of sexual misconduct at Connecticut’s only prison for women. (DRCT+Report+on+Sexual+Abuse+at+York+Correctional+Institution+Dec+16+2025.pdf) “This report contains very serious findings and allegations against the Department of Correction. One ... John A. Kissel
12/02/2025
Sen. John A. Kissel, Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Paul Cicarella and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the Dec. 1 assault of an Osborn Correctional Institution Correction Officer by an incarcerated individual. “The injured Officer and her family are in our thoughts, and we send gratitude as she recovers from ... John A. Kissel
11/03/2025
CT Senate Republicans · On Halloween, Sen. Kissel called in to The Talk of CT to discuss north central CT, the upcoming Special Session, and your tax dollars.
I had the privilege of visiting the Enfield World War II Memorial Monument. It stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call during one of history’s greatest challenges.
As we reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom, may we never forget the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to the Greatest Generation. Their legacy continues to inspire us.
... See MoreSee Less
My latest Legislative Update! Representative Tami Zawistowski and I recently visited Suffield, where we had a great conversation with residents about the issues that matter most to them.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat. Be sure to follow our social media pages to see where we’ll be next!
... See MoreSee Less
Hunger doesn’t have a season.
On our holiday edition of Senator Kissel and Friends, we highlighted the important work of local food pantries by welcoming representatives from Enfield Loaves & Fishes and the Enfield Food Shelf. They shared the challenges they face and how our community can make a difference.
The need for food assistance doesn’t stop when summer arrives. Food pantries rely on donations year-round, and every contribution helps support our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who continues to lend a helping hand.
... See MoreSee Less