Eric Berthel

Eric C. Berthel was born on March 28, 1967, and is a Republican member of the Connecticut State Senate. He currently serves as Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader and represents the 32nd State Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Bethel, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.

Berthel was first elected to the State Senate in a special election on February 28, 2017, and was elected to his fifth term in 2024. His current term runs through 2027.

Education

Berthel earned his B.A. in English from Manhattanville College and his M.S.Ed. in Education from the University of Bridgeport.

Political Experience

Legislative Positions:

Berthel served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017, representing the 68th House District, which included Watertown, Oakville, and Woodbury. Since his election to the State Senate in 2017, he has held several leadership and committee roles:

• Ranking Member on the Banking Committee, Education Committee, and Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee
• Co-Chair of the Internship Committee
• Member of the Appropriations Committee and the Select Committee on Special Education

Professional Background:

Berthel's professional experience includes work in healthcare marketing and communications. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Post University in Watertown, Connecticut.

Community and Civic Involvement:

• Vice Chairman of the Board of Education for Watertown Public Schools
• Board of Directors member for the Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union
• Board of Directors member for the Water-Oak Crimestoppers
• Active member of the Watertown Republican Town Committee

Recognition and Awards:

Berthel has been recognized for his advocacy and legislative work, including:

• 2018 Legislator of the Year award from the Waterbury Regional Chamber
• 2022 Legislator of the Year award from the Credit Union League of Connecticut
• 2022, 2023, and 2024 recognition from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association for a 100 percent pro-business voting record
• 2023 Consumer Champion award from AARP
• Recognition from the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police for his support of law enforcement
• 2022 selection as a Henry Toll Fellow through the Council of State Governments, one of only 48 state officials nationwide selected for this premier leadership development program