Christine Cohen
Christine Cohen is the incumbent Democratic / Working Families Party / Independent Party member of the Connecticut State Senate representing District 12, running for re-election on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. District 12 covers parts of Middlesex, New Haven Counties. Representative Cohen graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 1998 with a B.B.A. in marketing, and later graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Business in 2004 with an M.B.A. She became owner of Cohen's Bagel Company in 2003. In addition, she has served as an inventory analyst with Georgia-Pacific Limited Liability Company, an account manager with Marketing Drive Worldwide, and manager and sales planner with The Stanley Works.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and preventable death of Elvin Hernandez. It is all of our responsibility to protect one another on our roads, especially the men and women who work roadside. We all must slow down, pay attention and remember that one bad decision can create a lifetime of grief for someone's loved ones. My heart goes out to Elvin's family, friends and colleagues.”
(Candidate statement) “I have owned and operated a small business for nearly 25 years and I know well how expensive it is to provide health insurance for your employees.”
(Candidate statement) “These tax credits will help ease the burden on small businesses and ensure more workers are properly insured. This is a step in the right direction, but we need to be focused on comprehensive reform and providing a Public Option so that small businesses can protect their employees' health and also remain competitive in employee recruitment and retention.”
(Candidate statement)Lisa Deane
Lisa Deane District 12 covers parts of Middlesex, New Haven Counties. In the November 3, 2026 general election, Lisa Deane faces Christine Cohen for the District 12 seat currently held by Christine Cohen (D).
Campaign site
“I am a proud wife, mother, community advocate, and local leader who is ready to be YOUR voice in Hartford!”
(Candidate statement) “As a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2018, Lisa has proven her passion for public safety through her involvement in founding demandZERO, a non-profit with a mission to provide resources for law enforcement to help combat drug trafficking and provide education and awareness programs for affected residents. Additionally, Lisa recognizes the recent rise in property theft, violent crime, and traffic deaths throughout our state.”
(Candidate statement) “Additionally, Lisa recognizes the recent rise in property theft, violent crime, and traffic deaths throughout our state. Her plan for Hartford is to invest in police recruitment, revise the Police Accountability bill, and educate our youth on the dangers of intoxicated and distracted driving.”
(Candidate statement)