Granby-East Granby State Senator Announces Re-Election Plans

Sen. John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) announced Tuesday that he will seek re-election to a thirteenth term in the 7th Senatorial District, which includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.

“It is an honor to be a voice for north-central Connecticut residents at the State Capitol,” Kissel said in a written statement released to the media. “I love this job and want to continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region.”

Kissel, who took office in 1993, is the Senate’s Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee, which has cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Correction, courts, judicial procedures, and criminal law.

A Chief Deputy Minority Leader, Kissel serves as Ranking Member on the Program Review and Investigations Committee, which examines the effectiveness of state government programs. He also serves on the Appropriations Committee, which oversees state government spending, and the General Law Committee, which oversees all matters relating to consumer protection.

Kissel said that his frequent public outreach events help him stay connected to people in the 7th Senatorial District.

“My ‘Senator on Your Sidewalk’ events allow me to go to where taxpayers are – area grocery stores and shopping plazas with heavy foot-traffic – and hear their thoughts and ideas about how to make Connecticut better,” he said. “I take those ideas and bring them to Hartford.”

An advocate for seniors, Kissel has been recognized by AARP Connecticut for his efforts to protect vulnerable elderly residents from financial exploitation.

He has also spoken out in favor of an enforceable cap on state government spending. He has opposed tax hikes and border tolls while working across the political aisle to pass legislation to help convicted criminals to rebuild their lives.

“I hope to continue to bring common sense values to Hartford,” Kissel said.

Raised in Windsor, Kissel earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut School of Education, a law degree from Western New England College School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a major in history, from the University of Connecticut. He is a corporate attorney for Eversource Energy.

Kissel lives in Enfield with his wife, Cynthia, and their sons, Nathaniel and Tristan.