State Senator Eric Berthel
State Senator Eric Berthel
Chief Deputy Republican Leader
Eric Berthel was elected to his fifth term representing the 32nd Senate District in 2024. He is the Republican Ranking Member on the legislature’s Banking, Education, and Executive & Legislative Nominations Committees. He is also a co-chair of the Legislative Internship Committee and serves on the legislature’s newly formed Select Committee on Special Education.
Eric is extensively committed to public school education and ensuring that we are always doing what is in the best interest of the children of Connecticut. He has also been recognized for his pro-business/small business advocacy and his support of important initiatives in health care, banking, and law enforcement.
A pleasure to meet with Watertown Girl Scouts as they joined troops from across Connecticut for Girl Scout Day at the Capitol 2025 on Tuesday.
This event gives our future female leaders a firsthand look at how government works. What a great group of talented young ladies. They all have a bright future in public service or any other field they choose!
Just as technology has evolved, so have the tactics of criminals seeking to harm children online. I was proud to stand alongside Watertown Police Det. Conway as he testified in support of my proposal to combat a disturbing new reality—criminals using AI to generate Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) based on real children’s photos. This is an issue that sadly is a daily occurrence in the state.
This bill will ensure Connecticut aligns with longstanding federal law, closing a loophole that offenders are exploiting.
CSAM threatens all children, regardless of their background, and it is our duty to protect them—because they are Connecticut’s future.
Wednesday, I was honored to speak with nearly 200 automobile dealers from Connecticut, including Corey Shaker (center), and Matt Crowley (right).
Automobile dealers are an integral part of our local economy. They provide thousands of jobs across the state and tens of millions of dollars of economic activity.