1982 Connecticut Senate election


The 1982 Connecticut State Senate elections took place as a part of the biennial 1982 United States elections. All 36 seats were up for re-election. Senators serve two year terms and are up for re-election every election cycle.
While both parties gained and lost seats, neither had a net-change, leading to the Democrats maintaining their 23-13 majority over the Republicans.
Immediately following the elections, Republican Senate minority leader George Gunther was ousted and replaced with Philip S. Robertson.

Retirements

Eight incumbents did not seek re-election.

Democrats

  1. District 5: Clifton A. Leonhardt retired to run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district. .
  2. District 9: Bill Curry retired to unsuccessfully run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district against Nancy Johnson.
  3. District 11: Anthony M. Ciarlone retired.

Republican

  1. District 6: Nancy Johnson retired to successfully run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district against Bill Curry.
  2. District 8: Russell L. Post Jr. retired to run for governor. .
  3. District 15: Gerald Labriola retired to unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor of Connecticut.
  4. District 25: Alfred Santaniello Jr. retired.
  5. District 28: Myron R. Ballen retired.

Special elections

On December 31, 1980, Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso was forced to resign due to health issues after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her [List of List of lieutenant governors of Connecticut|lieutenant governors of Connecticut|lieutenant], William A. O'Neill succeeded her as governor. According to Connecticut law, the President pro tempore of the Senate, at the time of which was Joseph J. Fauliso, would automatically assume the office of lieutenant governor once vacant. This left his seat, the 1st district, vacant, creating a special election.
On February 17, 1981, freshman Democratic state-representative William A. DiBella beat Republican Donald B. LaCroix, 76.8% to 23.2%, holding the seat Democratic.

Incumbents defeated

In primary election

Democrats

  1. District 3: Marcella Fahey lost renomination to John B. Larson.

In general election

Democrats

  1. District 33: Frederick R. Knous lost re-election to Kenneth T. Hampton.

Results

District 8