Connecticut State Senate District 35

Current seat holder: Jeff Gordon (R).

Ethan Werstler

Ethan Werstler is a Democratic / Working Families Party candidate for the Connecticut State Senate in District 35 on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. District 35 covers parts of Tolland, Windham Counties. Ethan Werstler earned a high school diploma from the Woodstock Academy and a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 2022.

Campaign site

“I'm running for State Senate because Northeastern Connecticut deserves a Senator who actually delivers. For generations, my family has called this district home, and I want to give back to the community that raised me. Right now, our corner of Connecticut is being left behind.” (Candidate statement)
“Our corner of Connecticut is consistently left behind by leaders who are not concerned with our interests.” (Candidate statement)

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon is the incumbent Republican / Independent Party member of the Connecticut State Senate representing District 35, running for re-election on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. District 35 covers parts of Tolland, Windham Counties. Jeff Gordon's career experience includes working as a physician. Gordon volunteered as president of the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS), as chair of the CSMS Council, as speaker of the CSMS House of Delegates, as founding chair of the CTHealthLink electronic medical record information exchange, as a member of the CT Medical Examining Board, and as a member of the American Medical Association's Council on Legislation. He also volunteered as president of the Woodstock Education Foundation, treasurer of the Woodstock Agricultural Society, and vice president of the Woodstock Safety Patrol. Gordon was elected to Woodstock's Planning & Zoning Commission in 2007.

Campaign site

“Exciting news. The affordable housing proposal I authored to improve the meaningful use of accessory apartments in Woodstock was passed by the Planning & Zoning Commission at its December 2nd, 2021, meeting. Read more about it .” (Candidate statement)
“The affordable housing proposal I authored to improve the meaningful use of accessory apartments in Woodstock was passed by the Planning & Zoning Commission at its December 2nd, 2021, meeting.” (Candidate statement)
“November 18th, 2021: I was honored by my fellow Woodstock Planning & Zoning Commissioners to have been re-elected unanimously to a 14th one-year term as Chair. Thank you. I am currently serving in the midst of my fourth 4-year term as a Commissioner. I enjoy the good work being done and working with many people throughout the Woodstock community and beyond in CT. I look forward to the year ahead.” (Candidate statement)

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