GROTON – Republican State Sen. Heather Somers, of Groton, announced Thursday she will seek re-election to the 18th district, according to a press release.
“It is an incredible honor to represent the hardworking families, workers, retirees and businesses of the 18th district,” Somers said in the release. “Our region is so critical to the overall health of the state and our residents face many real and pressing challenges — there is so much more to be done and that is why I am seeking re-election as the state senator for the 18th district.
“After the voters put their trust in me to represent them in 2016, I brought my outsider perspective as a leader on the local level and in business to challenge the status quo in Hartford, deliver results for our eastern Connecticut community and stand up to the insiders who continue to threaten our state’s prosperity,” Somers said. “I am proud that in just over one year in office, I have challenged business-as-usual in Hartford and brought greater accountability to public institutions by exposing wrongdoing and demanding reform.
Somers was elected in November with 57 percent of the vote in the 18th district, defeating Democratic opponent, former State Rep. Tim Bowles, by 6,348 votes — winning each of the eight towns in the 18th district.
Prior to being elected, Somers served as a town councillor for eight years in Groton, including two years as the town mayor. Somers founded and helped grow biotech manufacturing company Hydrofera Blue in Willimantic. She resides in Groton City with her husband Mark and daughter Grace.