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 District 5: Clifton A. Leonhardt retired to run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district. (Later withdrew). District 9: Bill Curry retired to unsuccessfully run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district against Nancy Johnson. District 11: Anthony M. Ciarlone retired.
Republican District 6: Nancy Johnson retired to successfully run for Connecticut's 6th congressional district against Bill Curry. District 8: Russell L. Post Jr. retired to run for governor. (Later withdrew). District 15: Gerald Labriola retired to unsuccessfully run for lieutenant governor of Connecticut. District 25: Alfred Santaniello Jr. retired. 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 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 District 3: Marcella Fahey lost renomination to John B. Larson.
In general election
Democrats District 33: Frederick R. Knous lost re-election to Kenneth T. Hampton.
Results
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
District 29
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
References