'Long-Time Citizen Volunteer' Announces Run For State Senate

VERNON, CT — Jeff Gordon, a physician who for years has served on boards in his hometown of Woodstock, has announced his run to replace outgoing Sen. Dan Champagne as the 35th district's state senator.

A hematology-oncology physician, Gordon has cared for patients with cancers or blood disorders for 28 years, his campaign said in a news release.

He currently works for UMass Memorial Health's Harrington Hospital, and previously worked at Day Kimball Hospital — as both medical director of hematology-oncology services and as the Department of Medicine's chair.

But Gordon's campaign described him as a "long-time citizen volunteer" who has served on his hometown of Woodstock's Planning & Zoning Commission as an elected member since 2007. In 2008 he became that committee's chair, and officials said he's been elected unanimously each year since.

Gordon has also led leadership roles in several statewide organizations, his campaign said — he was president of the Connecticut State Medical Society and speaker of its House of Delegates, and a member of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board.

In his campaign announcement statement, Gordon referenced the state's high cost of living and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers and families.

"Connecticut has been and remains unaffordable for far too many families," Gordon said in a statement. "We must work to provide tax relief, to remove barriers to opportunity and job growth, and to help all people find prosperity."

Sen. Dan Champagne, who announced today that he will not seek re-election, endorsed Gordon. Champagne said in a statement that the physician has his "wholehearted support."

Read more: Vernon Mayor Champagne Not Running For Another State Senate Term

"Jeff deeply cares about his community and the people of Connecticut. He shares the same values as I do in terms of community safety, affordability, and government accountability," Champagne said. "I ask the voters across the 35th district to support Jeff to bring this message to Hartford."

If elected, Gordon would represent Vernon and Woodstock, as well as Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Stafford, Thompson, Tolland, Union, and Willington.

"As a physician I work every day to help people through some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. I want to do all that I can to continue helping people across our state who face challenges and who want to live in a place where they can succeed and thrive. As an elected town official in Woodstock, I have worked firsthand to bring people and communities together to find common sense solutions. I want to bring that same ability to get things done to Hartford. I have faith in the people of Connecticut. Together, we can create hope for everyone."