Joint Statement from Senate Republican Minority Leader Rob Sampson and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Eric Berthel

Hartford – State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) has been selected Senate Republican Minority Leader, with State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32) serving as Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore.

The senators issued the following joint statement:

“The Nov. 4 election results were a serious setback for Connecticut Republicans. Many voters who have supported Republican candidates are asking whether those positions still have a voice in Hartford. They do. We know what we stand for, we know who we represent, and we remain firmly committed to the principles we believe in.

We extend our sincere gratitude to former Senate Republican Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-30) for his dedicated service, integrity, and leadership through challenging times. His commitment to Connecticut and the principles of our party will not be forgotten, and we know he will continue to play an important role in the work ahead.

Connecticut is entering an historic period of one-party control. The Democratic supermajority will control 33 of the Senate’s 36 seats, giving them the votes to advance their agenda without the need for a single Republican vote. With that level of power, there will be no question about who is responsible for the decisions made in Hartford.

For years, Republicans have sounded the alarm over Connecticut’s excessive taxes, skyrocketing electric rates, and crushing cost of living. The problem has not been silence. The problem has been results. These problems did not happen overnight, and Democrats cannot continue pointing fingers at Washington while ignoring the consequences of their own decisions right here at home. The Democrats have controlled our state’s government for decades. They will need to answer for their record.

But Republicans must also recognize where we have fallen short. Part of the problem has been a media environment that rarely treats our arguments fairly. Part has been an overwhelming Democratic majority that has faced little real accountability. And part has been too many Republicans in positions of authority who were satisfied simply to remain in the minority, or willing to set our principles aside the moment they thought it might help them win a news cycle. We need stronger candidates, a more effective operation, consistent communication, and the conviction to stand by our principles. We cannot rebuild public trust by abandoning those principles for political convenience.

As the new leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus, we intend to be unapologetic about what we stand for: individual liberty, constitutional rights, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. We believe Connecticut residents deserve to keep more of what they earn and make their own decisions without unnecessary government interference.

We will challenge bad legislation, demand answers, and expose government overreach. We will make sure Connecticut residents understand exactly what is happening inside their State Capitol, what their elected officials are proposing, how they are voting, and what those decisions mean for their families. We will document the path they take, vote by vote.

To everyone who voted Democrat because you are frustrated with the direction of the country or the cost of living: you will now get a clear look at what large Democratic majorities in Hartford choose to do with the authority they have. They did not suddenly inherit the high electric rates, the taxes, or the cost of housing and energy. Those have been building under Democratic control for years. Over the next two years they will have more power than they have had in a generation. You can decide whether you like the results.

Three Republicans cannot outvote 33 Democrats. That’s a fact. But we can question them, challenge them, expose the consequences of their decisions, and ensure their actions do not go unnoticed.

Being outnumbered does not mean being powerless, and it certainly does not mean being silent.”

Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16)
Senate Republican Minority Leader
Represents Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Waterbury, and Wolcott

Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32)
Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore
Represents Bethel, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury