Joe de la Cruz
Joe de la Cruz District 18 covers parts of New London, Windham Counties. Representative de la Cruz was born in Groton, Connecticut. He completed an apprenticeship with CT Sheet Metal Workers program and became a general manager later in his career. In 2014, he began serving as counselor for the town of Groton.
Campaign site
“Joe de la Cruz is a devoted husband and father who is deeply committed to family and community. Joe served nine years in local government and three terms as a State Representative. A welder by trade, he and his wife Tammy co-founded Community Speaks Out after losing a son to gun violence. Joe is running for State Senate because he believes our communities deserve leaders who will show up and do the job.”
(Candidate statement) “Joe believes those who serve the public should listen to the people and their concerns and make solving real problems priority number one. As our State Senator, he will ensure community voices are heard in Hartford.”
(Candidate statement) “My story begins with family and service. My parents met in New London and started our family far from their hometown because my father enlisted in the United States Army. Although my parents divorced when I was in second grade, one thing never changed—our family stayed close. From an early age, I learned that while circumstances may shift, family and community are what sustain us.”
(Candidate statement)Heather Somers
Heather Somers is the incumbent Republican / Independent Party member of the Connecticut State Senate representing District 18, running for re-election on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. District 18 covers parts of New London, Windham Counties. Somers was born in Groton, Conn., where she later served as mayor and five-term town councilor.
Campaign site
“I am determined to deliver results for Eastern Connecticut. We need to challenge the status quo in Hartford and fight for greater opportunities and a better future for all Connecticut.”
(Candidate statement) “Together, we can bridge divides and build a brighter future for all Connecticut families.”
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