Patch Candidate Profile: Christopher Robertson For 16th State Senate

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The 2024 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.
All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Democrat Christopher Robertson of Southington is running for the 16th State Senate seat against incumbent state. Sen. Robert C. Sampson, R-Wolcott.

The 16th Senate District includes Southington, Wolcott, Waterbury, Prospect, and Cheshire.

What office are you seeking? State Senate

District: 16th Senate District

Website: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.robertson.10

What city or town do you live in? Southington

Party affiliation Democrat, endorsed by the Independent Party.

Education: Holy Cross High School, Wagner College (Accounting)

Occupation: Regional Sales Manager, National Chemicals Lavatories -24 years

Family: I’m a dedicated husband, father, and stepdad. I’ve lived in Southington for the past 30 years with my wife Nancy and our three children, all of whom attended Southington Schools. I grew up in Cheshire, went to Holy Cross in Waterbury, and my kids now live in Wolcott.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, I was a member of the Cheshire Roads and Sewer Commission and a Southington Fire Commissioner.

Age: 59

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for State Senate for a brighter future for my family and yours. I have seen first-hand how partisan politics are getting in the way of real progress. It’s time we start listening to our constituents and stop working for a political party. I’m committed to bringing common-sense solutions to Hartford that put our towns and people first.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The number one issue facing Connecticut in politics right now is the state's economic challenges, particularly affordability and the high cost of living. Residents are grappling with rising local taxes (Southington), high utility costs, and concerns over job creation. Additionally, there is increasing concerns around housing costs, energy prices, and attracting businesses to ensure Connecticut remains competitive and livable for working families in our district.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

This issue is very close to my heart, especially here in the 16th District, where major highways run through our towns. With the recent tragic death of a state trooper and multiple fatal accidents, and crippling injuries, it's clear we must act. Our local and state police are under tremendous pressure to enforce traffic laws while understaffed, and the roads have become increasingly dangerous for a multitude of reasons.

We need stricter penalties for reckless, wrong-way drivers, and illegal, and hazardous driving to protect our families and support our officers, firemen, DOT employees, and our public service workers. As your State Senate candidate, I’m committed to making our roads safer and ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major difference between my opponent and I is I’m a Democrat endorsed by the Independent Party, and I’m committed to representing everyone in our community, not just one party. As I’ve been door-knocking throughout the district, I hear the same message — people are tired of partisan politics. They want leaders who listen and work together across party lines. They are asking what our current senator has done for our towns and the answer is nothing.

Our current senator has voted no on important issues like women’s health care, medical research and prescription costs, and infrastructure funding that would help lessen our local tax burden. We can’t afford leaders who only represent narrow interests. We need someone who will listen to differing opinions and work across the aisle to get things done for the 16th district. That’s what I’ll do in Hartford.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a husband, father, and stepdad, I’ve raised a family here in Southington and know the challenges working families face. I’ve been a Little League coach and a small business owner, balancing responsibilities while serving my community.

Politically, as a Fire Commissioner in Southington, I worked with both parties to serve the best interests of our town. We successfully increased the number of firefighters both paid and volunteer, improved apparatus, and upgraded equipment to ensure their safety. With Southington's combination fire department of career and volunteer firefighters, I worked across the aisle to secure the training and resources they needed, fostering a strong, supportive working environment. My experience in leadership, collaboration, and community service proves I’m ready to take on this role.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that I’m committed to representing everyone in our district, not just one political party. I believe in listening to different perspectives and working across the aisle to find real solutions to the issues we face. Whether it's lowering the cost of living, supporting our first responders, or improving road safety, I’m focused on what matters most to our communities.

I’ve spent my life raising a family, coaching Little League, and running a small business, and I understand the everyday challenges people are dealing with. My experience as a Fire Commissioner shows I can work with others to get results, and I’ll bring that same approach to the State Senate. At the end of the day, I’m here to put our towns and people first, not partisan politics.