Somers seeking a third state Senate term in 18th District

Groton — Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, announced Monday she is seeking re-election to her 18th District seat.

Somers was first elected to the state Senate in 2016, receiving 57.3% of the vote to Timothy Bowles’ 42.7%. She was re-elected in 2018 with 54.7% of the vote, and her 2018 opponent, Democrat Bob Statchen of Stonington, announced in early January that he is running for the seat again.

Somers said in a statement at the time she looks forward to continuing her “record of leading with an effective, independent voice to expand opportunity, support small businesses, honor our veterans, improve the quality and availability of health care, protect our environment, strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and hold Hartford accountable.”

She reiterated that quote in a press release Monday and detailed her legislative accomplishments.

Somers cited her work on passing legislation to fight the opioid epidemic, protect women from sexual harassment, help first responders with PTSD, repeal the boat tax, and protect eastern Connecticut from education cuts.

She pointed to her 100% ratings from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and to awards from organizations representing seniors and health care providers.

The senator said in the current session she is working on plans to lower prescription drug costs, protect the environment, and increase economic opportunity, and that she continues to raise questions about transparency and reforms at the Connecticut Port Authority.

In the Connecticut General Assembly, Somers serves on the commerce, planning and development, appropriations and public health committees.

The 18th District includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown.

Somers co-founded the biotech manufacturing company Hydrofera and spent eight years on the Groton Town Council before running for her Senate seat.

Somers confirmed last week that she has placed her house on the market but said if she does move it will be in the district.