Heather Somers is a Republican state senator representing Connecticut's 18th District, which includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown. Born on April 22, 1966, in Groton, Connecticut, she has served in the Senate since 2017, currently holding the position of Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader. Notable achievements include co-founding Hydrofera, a Windham County biotech manufacturer; receiving the Medical Device Excellence Award and Silver Award for Connecticut Women of Innovation ; earning a perfect 100% pro-job growth score from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association ; and leading bipartisan efforts on tourism, mental health, senior housing, and public health as Ranking Member of the Public Health and Appropriations Committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Connecticut .
• Professional Background: Co-founder of a biotech company; Vice President of international sales and marketing for an Illinois-based medical device company.
• Political Experience:
  • State Senator, 18th District ; Chief Deputy Republican Leader ; Deputy Republican Leader ; Assistant Minority Leader ; Former Majority Whip.
  • Mayor of Groton ; Five-term Groton Town Councilor , where she delivered two tax decreases, established an Energy Efficiency Task Force, and led a School Planning Task Force.
  • Key committee roles: Ranking Member, Public Health and Appropriations Committees; Co-chair, Senate Tourism and Mental Health Caucuses; Former roles on Education, Environment, and Transportation Committees.
  • Candidate for Lieutenant Governor .