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VOTE411 Voter Guide

State Senate District 33

Together, the House of Representatives and the Senate constitute the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA). The General Assembly enacts legislation dealing with state appropriations and finance, public welfare, the environment, public works, housing, education, civil and criminal laws, and other matters. The Senate tries all impeachments of executive and judicial branch officials. In Connecticut, members of the state’s legislative body, the General Assembly, must be at least eighteen years old and reside in the district they represent. Senate and House members serve two-year terms. Candidates were asked to respond to questions developed by local Leagues of Women Voters (LWV). Candidates enter their replies directly into Vote411, and replies are not edited by the LWV.This is the link to the CGA website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/To view sample ballots go to this website:- https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/town-ballots/2026-november-town-election-ballots

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  • Candidate picture

    Norm Needleman
    (Dem, I)

  • Candidate picture

    Charles Ferraro
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Please list your professional, community service, governmental experience and/or other relevant qualifications for office (complete sentences are not necessary). Website/brief contact information may be included. (750 characters)

What changes do you suggest that would make Connecticut a more affordable and desirable place to live? (750 characters)

What is the greatest challenge facing Connecticut today? (750 character limit)

Candidate Name Norm Needleman
Campaign Website https://www.normforsenate.com
Campaign Email norm.needleman@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 354
Centerbrook, CT 06409
Instagram normneedleman
Facebook State Senator Norm Needleman
Twitter N/A
Since 2018, I have represented Connecticut’s 33rd Senate District, which includes the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Lyme, Portland, and Westbrook. Before joining the State Senate, I served as First Selectman of Essex, a role in which I have served since 2011. As a longtime business owner, I bring experience in municipal government, economic development, and public service. I am committed to strengthening local communities, protecting Connecticut’s environment, supporting small businesses, and expanding affordable housing opportunities. Learn more at www.normforsenate.com.
I believe that Connecticut must focus on making housing and everyday expenses more affordable for residents. We need to expand access to affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and encourage responsible development that strengthens our communities. I also believe we must continue working to lower energy costs, support small businesses, and create good-paying jobs so that families can afford to live and work in Connecticut.
I believe Connecticut’s greatest challenge is making our state more affordable for the people who live and work here. The overall cost of living, especially in our housing market, is rising. This puts pressure on all residents, especially families, seniors, and young people. We must work to lower these costs, expand access to affordable housing, support small businesses, and create economic opportunities that allow residents to build their futures here. Our goal must be to ensure that Connecticut remains a place where people of all ages and income levels can afford to live, work, and raise a family.
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