State Sen. Norm Needleman to Seek Fifth Term in 33rd District

ESSEX, CT – State Senator Norm Needleman, D-Essex,  is seeking a fifth term representing Lyme.

Needleman’s campaign announced the reelection bid in a Monday news release. The district also includes Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook. 

Needleman serves as first selectman of Essex, where he is in his seventh term. He is the founder and CEO of Essex-based Tower Laboratories, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

“In uncertain times, we need common sense and strong leadership to guide us forward. For my career in the Senate, I have stood by those principles in supporting our communities and making steady progress in Hartford, and they are why I am again running to represent our region,” Needleman said.

He cited ongoing work on issues such as energy policy, transportation, budgeting, and municipal needs through his service on multiple legislative committees.

“Our region deserves a leader who makes tough choices and isn’t afraid to speak his mind,” he said.

Since entering office, Needleman has served as Senate chairman of the Energy and Technology Committee, which plays a central role in shaping state energy policy. His work includes sponsoring legislation to strengthen oversight of electric utilities, expand ratepayer participation in regulatory proceedings, and enact measures intended to reduce electricity costs. He also supported broader energy and technology initiatives focused on grid reliability and the state’s transition to renewable and clean energy.

The campaign cited Needleman’s support for initiatives including early childhood education funding, special education and health insurance reforms, tax and pension changes, expanded education and mental health funding, and policies such as debt-free community college, early voting, and paid family and medical leave, as well as state bond funding for local projects.

Needleman will face Republican challenger Charles Ferraro of Clinton. Ferraro, a former state representative and small business owner from West Haven, previously served in the state House from 2015 to 2025. Ferraro has emphasized affordability, energy costs, public safety, health care, support for veterans and seniors, and fiscal restraint as priorities in his campaign.