Who's running in 2026?
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In Stafford, we are—rightly—focused on the budget lately, but there’s another vote looming this fall. Yes, this year Stafford will be asked to go to the polls and choose its State Senator and State Representative. We have contested races for both offices, and two trends stand out among this year’s candidates: Not only are Woodstock residents heavily represented on this year’s ballot, but local voters will have to make a choice that will likely be playing out across the country during this year’s midterms: stick with what you know and keep the incumbents or take a leap of faith on younger challengers.
This year we will be sending out several rounds of questions to the candidates, starting with the topics that’s on everyone’s minds: affordability. (Look for their answers this summer.) But for now, we’ll stick with the basics.
Here are Stafford’s options.
State Senate, 35th District
Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Stafford, Thompson, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Willington, and Woodstock
Challenger Ethan Werstler (D)
Ethan Werstler’s name likely sounds familiar to voters in some of the 35th district, as the Woodstock-native previously ran for the 52nd District House race against Kurt Vail. Another young candidate, Werstler was just 24 years old when he last ran. Two years later, he’s 26 and ready for another campaign.
According to his website, Werstler is, “Focused less on party allegiance, and more on the needs of this district, a Senator Werstler will work tirelessly in Hartford for our communities. His experience, drive and passion for public service has prepared him to be an independent voice, within the majority party, and to deliver for this district.”
It is also worth noting that Werstler qualified for Connecticut’s Citizens’ Election Program. The program requires small-dollar donations from residents in the district to secure public campaign funding. In April 14, Werstler announced he achieved the $20,000 threshold in three days, and exceeded the required 300 in-district donations.
For more information:
Incumbent Dr. Jeffrey Gordon (R)
Now 58 years old, Dr. Jeffrey Gordon was originally elected as the 35th District’s senator in 2022. In 2024, he ran again, and announced his bid for re-election earlier this year.
When Gordon announced his candidacy for re-election he focused on one of the big issues on everyone’s minds: “That means making Connecticut more affordable, tackling healthcare costs and access, supporting our veterans, protecting our rights and freedoms, helping towns through more education and other funding, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently.”
Gordon also qualified for the Citizen’s Election Program.
For more information:
State Representative, 52nd District
Somers, Stafford, Union, and Woodstock
Challenger Vincent Tocci (D)
Back in February, Vincent Tocci announced he is running for the Connecticut House of Representatives. At 22 years old that made him the youngest candidate seeking office in the state.
According to Tocci’s website, “His campaign is focused on lowering costs for residents and delivering strong, responsive representation. Vincent supports reimbursing unfunded state mandates to reduce the tax burden on local taxpayers, and he is committed to showing up every day to advocate for the people of the 52nd District.” He is a lifelong resident of Woodstock, CT, “his father is a Teamster, and his stepfather was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).”
For more information:
Incumbent Kurt Vail (R)
Kurt Vail is a five-term incumbent seeking reelection in Connecticut’s 52nd District. First elected in 2014, Vail is 57 years old.
Information on Vail’s campaign positions is scant as his campaign website seems to be out of date as of this publication, but statements on the Vote Vail Facebook page show a concern with process, and support for the “no tip tax” movement. He is also well known for his efforts to do away with daylight savings time. Luckily, with incumbent candidates it’s easy to dive into their records.
For more information:
