Stephen Harding

Political Party: Republican

District: Connecticut's 30th State Senate District

Current Position: State Senate Minority Leader

Stephen Harding, Jr. was born in New York, New York, and has been a resident of Brookfield, Connecticut for nearly 30 years. He is a lawyer who operates his own law practice in Danbury. Beyond his legislative work, Harding has been deeply involved in his community through various civic roles and volunteer efforts. He serves as an executive board member of the Brookfield Baseball and Softball Association and has volunteered as a coach in youth sports. He is also affiliated with Brookfield Cares, an organization addressing substance abuse and mental health issues in the community.

Education

Harding graduated from Brookfield High School in 2005. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Albertus Magnus College in 2009, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He then pursued his law degree at New York Law School in Manhattan, graduating in 2012. After completing his legal education, he was admitted to the Connecticut Bar.

Political Experience

Harding began his political career in the Connecticut House of Representatives, serving four terms representing the 107th House District before being elected to the State Senate in 2022. He currently represents the 30th State Senate District, the largest geographically in Connecticut, comprising 18 communities including Bethlehem, Brookfield, Kent, Litchfield, New Milford, Torrington, and Washington.

In February 2024, Harding was named State Senate Minority Leader. He serves as Ranking Member of the Environment Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management. He is also a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee. His current term extends through 2027.

At the local level, Harding has served the town of Brookfield on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Education, where he chaired the Board's Policy Subcommittee.