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.
Democrats had no problem suspending Connecticut’s gas tax when Joe Biden was President because people were hurting. People are hurting now too, so what changed?
In 2022, we put politics aside and suspended Connecticut’s 25-cent gas tax because people were getting crushed at the pump. It passed unanimously. Governor Lamont signed it. We even extended it.
So spare me the excuses about why we can’t do it now.
People are struggling with the cost of everything. Gas. Groceries. Electricity. Housing. Insurance. You name it.
Republicans are asking for a special session to suspend Connecticut’s gas and diesel taxes through the end of the year. The Special Transportation Fund is approaching $650 million in reserves and projected surplus. The money is there. We know how to do it. We’ve done it before.
This shouldn’t depend on whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump is sitting in the White House. Connecticut taxpayers are not political pawns.
And for anyone wondering where I’ve been on affordability, check the record.
Last year, I opposed HB 8003 and offered an amendment to return $500 million to Connecticut taxpayers rather than give government another pot of money to spend.
Read more about my opposition to HB 8003 and amendment to return $500 million to taxpayers: www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/2025/11/sen-sampson-opposes-democrats-500-million-slush-fund-offers-a...
Recently, Republicans put forward A More Affordable Connecticut, including a gas tax holiday, income tax reductions, eliminating the Highway Use Tax and Public Benefits Charge, and other proposals aimed at leaving more money with the people who earned it.
Read our A More Affordable Connecticut plan: www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/2026/09/sen-sampson-connecticut-residents-deserve-the-whole-story-on-...
The money is there. The need is there. We’ve done it before.
Watch my remarks.
AN OPEN LETTER TO JACK PERRY
Mr. Perry,
For months, you have made attacking my record the centerpiece of your campaign. You have published mailers, advertisements, videos, and social media posts accusing me of voting against working families and misrepresenting my positions on taxes, electric rates, prescription drugs, public safety, consumer protection, and now several pieces of legislation taking effect today.
I dispute those accusations, and I believe many of them seriously distort both my record and the legislation involved.
So I have a simple proposal:
Debate me.
It is unusual for a strong incumbent to challenge his opponent to a debate. I am not doing so because I am worried about the outcome of this election. I am doing it because the people of the 16th Senate District deserve an opportunity to hear both of us defend what we have been telling them.
And I am prepared to make this especially easy for you.
We can debate the very accusations YOU have chosen to make against me.
Bring your mailers. Bring your advertisements. Bring your social media posts. Bring today’s claims about my votes.
You choose the accusations.
I will bring my record, the legislation, and my reasons for every vote I cast.
Then we can stand on the same stage, before the same audience, with equal opportunity to speak, and the voters can hear your case and my response for themselves.
I welcome that opportunity.
What I do not accept is the idea that a candidate for public office should be able to repeatedly make serious accusations about his opponent through paid advertising and social media, yet never have to defend those accusations when the person he is attacking is standing across from him.
If you believe what you have been telling the voters about me, then come say it in a public debate and defend it.
I will answer every charge.
I will defend every vote.
And I will give you the same opportunity to defend your own statements and positions.
No carefully edited advertisements. No graphics. No campaign spin from either side.
Just two candidates, the issues, our records, and the voters we are asking to represent.
The invitation is public.
I am ready.
Are you?
Senator Rob Sampson
16th Senate District
*I emailed this directly to Mr. Perry and members of the press this morning.
Today I had the opportunity to visit Waterbury City Hall and spend some time with Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics Antoinette “Chick” Spinelli and her terrific staff.
We had a great conversation about the many responsibilities their office handles for Waterbury residents, from maintaining important public and vital records and providing everyday municipal services to the important role they play in administering our elections.
It was especially valuable to see firsthand the work that goes on behind the scenes during an election and to learn more about the care and attention that goes into making sure the process is accurate and properly administered.
Thank you to Chick and her entire team for taking the time to show us around, answer our questions, and share more about the important work they do every day for the people of Waterbury!
