1st-time candidate running for Senate seat

CLINTON — Republican Brendan Saunders is seeking the GOP’s nomination to run for Connecticut’s 33rd District State Senate seat.

Despite his long history of civic involvement, November will be the first time Saunders is running for office, according to a news release.

The seat is now held by state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, also first selectman of the town.

Saunders, a self-described “Reagan Republican,” began his involvement in local politics shortly after he graduated from high school, he said.

“I’ve noticed that Connecticut has become a very expensive state in which to live,” Saunders told Republican leaders from across the district recently. “It seems like many of our representatives in Hartford ignore us, burdening us with more taxes, fees and regulations. The result is that opportunity and freedom gets crushed. I believe government is at its best when it cultivates, not impedes, opportunity,” he said in the news release.

“I’m running to be your voice in Hartford. I’m running to ensure that our children receive a vibrant future full of opportunity,” Saunders explained.

Saunders is the director of sales and marketing for the Courtyard Marriott in Cromwell. He serves on the Hospitality Advisory Board of Manchester Community College. Saunders is also an ordained baptist minister, who served as the founding pastor of Lighthouse Community Church of Westbrook from 2008-17. He stepped down to create The Fusion Podcast, an online forum providing lighthearted conversations about life and faith for young adults, the release said.

Saunders lives in Clinton with his wife Mary (Costello) Saunders, a Deep River native and nurse at Middlesex Health. They have a 14-year-old daughter, Jorden.

The 33rd District encompasses Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, parts of Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

Saunders hopes to earn the Republican nomination May 18 at a convention in East Haddam, the release said.

Saunders