2026 Connecticut Election: How It All Went Down In The 35th District State Senate Race

CONNECTICUT — Democratic challenger Ethan Werstler Tuesday captured the Connecticut Senate's 35th District seat while defeating Republican incumbent Jeffrey Gordon.

Here are the numbers:

2026 Election — 35th District State Senate

• Ethan Werstler: 22,672 votes (53.88 percent)
• Jeffrey Gordon: 19,407 votes (46.12 percent)
• Total votes: 42,079

Here is the district breakdown from the secretary of the state's database:

Said Werstler on election night, "From the beginning, we set out on a campaign to truly listen. Between door knocking, meet and greets, and days of action, I’ve heard the 35th loud and clear: it’s time to expect more, for a change."

On Wednesday, Gordon released a statement:

"Last night, the election results did not go the way I had hoped. And while I am disappointed, I am not defeated in my belief in our state, our communities, or the people who make them great. Nor have I lost my belief in the common sense principles and working-for-people ethic that brought me into public service over 20 years ago.

"I want to thank my wife and family who stood with me. To the volunteers who gave their time, the supporters who put their faith in me, and the people who knocked on doors, made calls, displayed signs, and spoke up on my behalf: I will never forget your support. You made this campaign about something bigger than one election.

"It has been an honor to serve as a State Senator these past four years. I have always viewed myself as a "citizen legislator”, and I am proud of the work I have done and the way in which I did it. One could only have done that through leadership with experience, character, and understanding that what is said during a campaign has to be brought forth into action.

"I am proud to have done that and kept the promises that I made to the people I represent. That includes cutting taxes, getting more support for public education, helping seniors and veterans, and creating child and caregiver tax credits. I fought insurance and utility companies, led the charge to lower prescription drug prices, helped our local hospitals, and came to the aid of farmers. I also worked to create an early childhood education fund, fought for taxpayers, held government accountable, defended our rights and freedoms, and much more.

"I am also proud of the constituent services my office staff and I provided to so many people throughout the district. Just as I have done for many years as a doctor, I have been there as a State Senator to help people and to help our communities.
The majority of voters have made their decision, and I respect the democratic process. I may have lost an election, but I have not lost our shared principles or my commitment to our communities.

"I have faith in Connecticut. I have faith in our communities. I have faith in our country."