2026 Patch Candidate Profiles: Ethan Werstler, State Senate

CONNECTICUT — Ethan Werstler is running for state Senate in the 35th District.

Candidate's Name:

Ethan Werstler

What office are you seeking?

State Senate

Age:

26

District:

35th Senate District

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://werstlerforct.com

Occupation:

Small business owner and leadership coach for high school students.

Family:

I am blessed to be supported by a family that has called Eastern Connecticut home for generations. All the love to Eric, Jess, Eli, Papa, Grams, and my love Irene.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

There has never been a member of my family who has worked in state government, municipal government, or ever held elected office.

Previous public office:

None. I serve on the Roseland Park Board of Trustees in Woodstock and have served as Student Trustee on the UConn Board of Trustees.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm a third-generation Woodstock resident. I grew up here, went to school here, and I want the next generation to be able to afford to stay here. Right now, families in our district are getting squeezed by rising costs for gas, groceries, heating oil, and electricity, while big corporations post record profits. Too often, decisions at the State Capitol leave towns like ours as an afterthought. I'm running to stand up for taxpayers, take on corporate special interests, and make sure our communities finally get a fair share and a real voice.

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

Cost of living. People are working hard and still falling behind, and a lot of that is because big corporations are raising prices faster than their costs. I'll crack down on price gouging on essentials like gas, groceries, and heating oil, and I'll fight Big Tech practices like using your personal data to charge you more. I'll also push to give our towns the tools to keep longtime residents here, including tax breaks, bonds, and other local incentives.

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

Families shouldn't be paying more on their electric bills so corporations can profit. One growing threat is the unchecked development of massive AI data centers, which drive up demand and can raise utility rates for everyone else. I'll work to make sure those projects don't get built in our communities without real limits, and that ratepayers aren't stuck covering their costs. I'd like to make it easier for municipalities to build and manage microgrids as well, to help supply and support our current infrastructure.

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

Affordability starts with making sure corporations can't take advantage of working families. On housing, I believe our local communities should be empowered to decide where new housing goes, with tax breaks, bonds, and other incentives to help longtime residents stay in the towns they love. And I'll protect workers whose jobs are threatened by AI.

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

I built and run my own small business as a leadership coach, working with thousands of high school students. I launched an initiative to provide groceries to food-insecure students; I volunteer at Woodstock Middle School, and I serve on the Roseland Park Board of Trustees. Running a business has taught me to listen, manage a budget, and deliver results, and my community work has shown me what our neighbors need. That's the approach I'll bring to the State Senate.

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

I've been knocking on doors across the district because I believe real leadership starts with listening. Whether you're worried about your utility bill, your grocery bill, or if your kids can afford to live here, I want to hear from you. I'll put people ahead of corporate special interests every time. Learn more at WerstlerForCT.com.