Candidate Profile: Eric Berthel, 32nd State Senate District

SOUTHBURY, CT — Eric C. Berthel, a Republican, is seeking reelection to Connecticut's 32nd State Senate District in the Nov. 3 general election.

Berthel, who has represented the district since 2017, is running against Democrat Matthew Knickerbocker.

Patch asked candidates running in the 2026 election to answer questions about their backgrounds, priorities and positions on issues affecting Connecticut residents.

Here are Berthel's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

Eric C. Berthel

What office are you seeking?

State Senator

Age:

59

District:

32nd Senate District

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://www.berthelforsenate.org

Occupation:

Executive

Family:

Wife, two children

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

2017 - Current: State Senator, 32nd District. Chief Deputy Leader. 2015 - 2017: State Representative, 68th House District. 2011 - 2014: Watertown Board of Education, Vice Chairman

Why are you seeking this office?

I have proudly represented this district for 12 years, as strong and important voice against the failed policies of the Democrat Party Majority during the last 40 years.

I hope to return to continue my work and to help make Connecticut affordable again.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Connecticut is ridiculously unaffordable due to failed Majority Democrat Party policies as they have held power for nearly 40 years. Highest cost of living, third highest electric rates, highest per capita tax burden in the nation. I'll address this by bringing common sense policy to the discussion which will help to make Connecticut affordable again.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

Remove the Democrat Party failed energy policy, the "Public Benefits Charge," which is by all measures a tax on electricity.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

Lower our taxes - gasoline, diesel, income, property, truck highway tax, death tax, fees on motor vehicle registrations, unfunded mandates, lower our electric bills...the list is endless.

Reduce state government spending. Move people off of our social welfare programs and into the 89,000 unfilled jobs in CT as reported earlier this month.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been elected/re-elected seven times to the legislature. I believe my common sense position on a smaller government, local control, lower spending and building our economy instead of burdening it with more government regulation and taxation have been the hallmark of my success and sound evidence that I can (and have) handle this job.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was born in Brooklyn, NY and have lived in Connecticut for the last 50 years. Connecticut was once a place people came to for a low cost of living and an easy going lifestyle. It's time to make Connecticut that place again before everyone leaves for better affordability elsewhere.