PROUDLY SERVING THE 16TH DISTRICT
State Senator Rob Sampson
Senior Deputy Republican Leader
Rob Sampson, re-elected to a fourth term in 2024, represents Connecticut’s 16th District. He is the Ranking Member on the Government Administration & Elections Committee, the Housing Committee, and the Labor & Public Employees Committee. Rob is widely known as an advocate for America’s core principles, restoring our system of limited, representative, constitutional government, protecting private contracts and defending the natural rights of his constituents.
“I am honored to be chosen by the people of the 16th District as their voice at the State Capitol. I remain committed to defending our American principles of freedom, representation, limited constitutional self-government, and the rule of law. I believe that with hard work and our collective voices, Connecticut can become a safer and more affordable state with a bright future for all. As always, I will put in the hard work to make it happen.”
LATEST COLUMN
'Your Vote Belongs to You' (September 2026)
There are few things more personal than your vote.
It belongs to you, not to a political party, a campaign operative, a government bureaucrat, or someone standing in your living room telling you what to do with your ballot.
Today is Constitution Day, a good occasion to reflect not only on the document itself, but on the extraordinary American experiment it represents.
Our Constitution begins with three simple words: “We the People.”
That was a remarkable proposition in 1787. Government would derive its authority from the consent of the governed. Power would be divided and constrained. Different branches and levels of government would check one another. And through representative government, ordinary citizens would have both a voice in the decisions affecting their lives and a means of holding those entrusted with power accountable.
Nearly 240 years later, that experiment continues.
But representative government cannot sustain itself on institutions and written rules alone. It depends upon citizens who understand that self-government carries responsibilities along with rights.
We have to pay attention. We have to seek out facts rather than simply accept what we are told. We have to understand the issues, know what our representatives are doing in our name, participate in our communities, speak up when government gets it wrong, and perhaps most importantly, show up and vote.
The Constitution created an extraordinary framework for liberty and representative government. Whether that framework continues to work as intended ultimately depends upon us.
The American experiment was never meant to be something we merely inherit. Every generation is entrusted with its preservation.
On Constitution Day, that is worth remembering. 🇺🇸
RESTORE THE RULE OF LAW
Public safety isn't about slogans. It's about policy.
For years, the Democrat majority in Hartford has passed policies that have weakened law enforcement, reduced accountability for criminals, and made it harder for police to keep our communities safe.
I have consistently been on the other side of that fight.
Connecticut's police pursuit policy is a perfect example.
Someone steals your car. Police find it. The driver takes off.
And Connecticut policy can tell the officer not to chase him.
That's backwards. It gives the criminal an advantage over the police officer trying to stop him.
Don't take my word for it. Read the state's own analysis of Connecticut's pursuit restrictions:
www.cga.ct.gov/2025/BA/PDF/2025HB-07074-R000406-BA.PDF
I don't automatically side with any person or institution. I support good policy. I believe in the rule of law. And I believe government's first responsibility is to protect the rights and safety of law-abiding citizens.
My record reflects that.
In 2024, I was deeply honored to receive the Connecticut Police Chiefs' Association Carroll J. Hughes Legislator of the Year Award for my work on issues important to law enforcement and public safety:
www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/2024/12/photo-sen-sampson-honored-with-connecticut-police-chiefs-asso...
My position is pretty simple:
Support good police officers doing their jobs. Protect victims. Respect due process. Hold criminals accountable. Put the safety of innocent people first.
That's not a slogan.
That's the rule of law, and it's worth fighting for.
🎥 WATCH: PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMON SENSE
Monday night’s Southington Town Council meeting was a special one as we had the opportunity to recognize the Southington 11U All Stars and celebrate an incredible championship season!
These young athletes brought together players from Southington North, South, and West Little League and accomplished something they should be incredibly proud of: becoming District 5 Champions, Section 1 Champions, and 2026 Connecticut 11U State Champions.
It was such a joyful moment getting to recognize these players alongside their coaches and families. A championship like this takes talent, but it also takes countless hours of practice, teamwork, determination, great coaching, and families supporting these kids every step of the way.
Congratulations to Henry Villegas, Owen Pugliese, Camden Denorfia, Vincent Ralabate, Chase Michalak, Logan Giguere, Nash Pekrul, TJ DeCorte, Brady McKee, Chase Beaudoin, Cam Rubino, Owen Salvesen, Andy Echard, Manager Jay Pekrul, and Assistant Coaches Matt Denorfia, Dan Ralabate, Rob Giguere, and Eric Beaudoin.
You represented Southington incredibly well, and it was an honor to present you with a citation recognizing this tremendous accomplishment.
The evening also included a more solemn recognition as I presented another citation in memoriam honoring Edward S. “Ed” Pocock Jr., who dedicated decades of his life to serving Southington as a police officer and through numerous town boards and commissions, including 16 years on the Board of Finance. It was a privilege to recognize his many years of service and the lasting contribution he made to our community.
Monday night was a reminder that community is built in many ways: by young people working together and representing their hometown with pride and by people like Ed who spend a lifetime giving back to it.
Town of Southington, CT
Southington South Little League Baseball
Southington Northern Little League
Southington West Baseball