Mother. Veteran. Grandmother. Advocate.
State Senate District 9 — representing Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, and portions of Middletown and Wethersfield.
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COUNTDOWN TO GAME TIME
GENERAL ELECTION • NOVEMBER 3, 2026
It's Game Time. Make Your Plan to Vote.
FROM THE DESK OF GWEN SAMUEL
I am a mother, grandmother, Marine Corps veteran, community leader, and longtime advocate for government transparency, expanded education opportunities, protecting parent rights and nurturing family and community self-empowerment.
A Marine's Journey
I served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0151 Administrative Clerk during the 80s. During my boot-camp days, I made history as the first woman Marine authorized to complete the Marine Corps Ten-Man Challenge Course, after receiving special approval from General Alfred M. Gray Jr., the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Breaking through barriers in a very male-dominated environment taught me lessons in perseverance, courage, and determination that continue to shape my approach to leadership and public service.
Like many veterans, I understand that some wounds of service are invisible. Having been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I believe there should be no shame in seeking help. My good, bad, and ugly parts of my life experiences have strengthened my commitment to ensuring that veterans, active-duty service members, and military families receive the support, resources, and respect they deserve.
Decades of Service
For decades, I have worked to strengthen families, expand educational opportunities, advocate for parents, and encourage greater civic engagement throughout Connecticut. My work has taken me from local communities to the halls of Congress, where I testified on behalf of parents and students.
Why I'm Running Today
For years, I watched decisions being made in Hartford that affected families and communities across State Senate District 9 — representing Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, and portions of Middletown and Wethersfield. I decided it was time to stop watching from the sidelines.
I am running for State Senate because I believe it is time to help usher in the next generation of leaders — leaders who listen, show up, bring new voices to the table, and understand that public service begins in our communities.
Senate District 9 deserves leadership that is present at the school board meeting, the senior center, veterans' gatherings, neighborhood events, and the small businesses on Main Street — not just during election season.
I respect those who have served before me, but democracy is strengthened when new people are willing to step forward, challenge ideas, and offer voters a choice.
That is the next generation of leadership I am bringing into the game.
— Gwen Samuel
Candidate for State Senate, District 9
GwenForCT.com
MOVING FROM THE SIDELINES INTO THE GAME
For years I watched decisions being made in Hartford that affected families and communities across Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, and portions of Middletown and Wethersfield without enough voices from our own neighborhoods in the room. I decided it was time to stop watching from the sidelines.
Senate District 9 deserves a representative who shows up at the school board meeting, the senior center, and the small business on Main Street — not just at election time. That is the leadership I am bringing into the game.
— Gwen E. Samuel
Read MoreTHREE PRIORITIES FOR CONNECTICUT.
These are the issues Gwen will champion as your State Senator for District 9 — grounded in what residents have asked for at kitchen tables, town halls, and front porches across Newington, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Middletown, and Wethersfield.
CHANGE DOES NOT HAPPEN FROM THE SIDELINES.
Every door knocked, every signature gathered, every conversation started, every story shared moves this campaign forward. Pick the way you want to help — and we’ll meet you there.