Senator John Kissel Contact information

State Senator John A. Kissel, a Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader, is currently serving his 16th term representing Connecticut’s 7th Senate District, which includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and parts of Ellington, Granby and Windsor.

Senator Kissel is the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, which addresses matters relating to the Department of Corrections, courts, judicial procedures and criminal law.

Sen. Kissel also serves as Chair of the Regulations Review Committee, which reviews regulations proposed by state agencies before regulations are implemented. In addition, he serves as a member of the General Law Committee.

For many years, Senator Kissel has been a leading advocate for seniors. He has received Legislative Achievement Awards from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for his efforts to protect seniors from financial exploitation in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

Additionally, the Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) selected Senator Kissel to receive the Public Policy Award for his dedication to promote safe and sober driving through legislation in 2016. Senator Kissel was also recognized by MADD as one of their 2016 Legislators of the Year.

In 2012, Senator Kissel was named Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials for his efforts in promoting safe, decent, sanitary and drug-free housing environments.

In 2007, he received the Connecticut Commission on Aging’s first annual “Agewise Advocate Award,” given for ongoing exemplary support of seniors. He was also recognized by the Connecticut Association of Adult Day Care Centers for his work on behalf of adult day care. Senator Kissel has been named Legislator of the Year by The Connecticut Association of Not-for-Profit Providers for the Aged for Outstanding Public Service to the Elderly in Connecticut.

In 2007, Senator Kissel received the RisCassi-Koskoff Civil Justice Award from the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association for his work promoting civil justice throughout Connecticut. Senator Kissel has also been named Legislator of the Year by both the Connecticut Assisted Living Association and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. In addition, he was named an Outstanding Supporter of Healthcare by the Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians as well as the Connecticut Dermatological Society.

In addition to his political and professional affiliations, Senator Kissel is a member of numerous civic organizations, including Enfield’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society. He is a member of the Enfield Republican Town Committee, a past president of the Greater Enfield Lawyers Association and a past member of the Connecticut Bar Association’s House of Delegates.

Born in Worcester, Mass. in 1959, Senator Kissel was raised in Windsor, Connecticut. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Connecticut School Of Education in 1981, a Juris Doctor degree from Western New England College School of Law in 1984, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a major in history, from the University of Connecticut in 2002. He is a Past Adjunct Professor at Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Mass. and currently works as a corporate attorney for Eversource.

Senator Kissel lives in Enfield with his sons Nathaniel and Tristan.