State Election — Tolland Democratic Town Committee

Endorsed

Democrats for Legislative Races

Meet the Democratic candidates endorsed to represent Tolland in the Connecticut State Senate and General Assembly. Their leadership will help ensure our town has the strong, effective representation it deserves at the State Capitol. By electing these candidates, we can help flip these seats blue and build a brighter future for Tolland and all of Connecticut.

Ethan Werstler

State Senate 35th District

Ethan Werstler is running for the Connecticut State Senate to ensure that Tolland and the communities of our district have a strong voice in Hartford. He believes our region has been overlooked for too long and that the challenges facing northeastern Connecticut require practical, locally focused solutions—not a one-size-fits-all approach designed for other parts of the state.

Ethan is committed to delivering real results for the people he serves. His campaign is focused on lowering the cost of living, strengthening public education, expanding access to mental health resources, protecting children and families, and providing accountable, effective leadership in the State Senate. Above all, he is dedicated to listening to residents and fighting every day for the needs and priorities of our community.

Ethan believes Tolland deserves representation that puts people first and works to build a stronger future for every family in our district.

Michelle Doucette Cunningham

State Representative 53rd District

Michelle Doucette Cunningham is running to represent Connecticut's 53rd House District, serving Tolland, Willington, and Vernon. A longtime Willington resident, Michelle is committed to delivering practical, results-driven solutions that help families and strengthen our communities.

With a background in economics and public policy, Michelle has dedicated her career to improving opportunities for children and families across Connecticut. As Executive Director of the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth, she has worked to advance policies that expand access to affordable child care, strengthen public education, improve economic opportunity, and support working families.

Michelle's commitment to public service also includes twelve years on the Willington Board of Education, including four years as chair. She understands the importance of investing in strong schools, affordable housing, quality health care, and good-paying jobs that allow families to thrive.

Known for her collaborative leadership, integrity, and ability to bring people together, Michelle is ready to be a strong voice for Tolland, Willington, and Vernon in Hartford and fight for real solutions to the challenges facing our communities.

Francis Lombard

State Representative 8th District

Francis Lombard is running to represent Connecticut's 8th House District because he believes state government should work harder for everyday working families. Drawing on a lifetime of diverse professional experiences and a strong working-class background, Francis understands the real challenges facing Connecticut residents and is committed to delivering practical, common-sense solutions.

From helping operate his family's century-old small business to working as a writer, editor, entrepreneur, and now as a Senior Quality Assurance Lab Technician in Connecticut's dairy industry, Francis has built a career centered on hard work, accountability, and problem-solving. In his current role, he helps protect public health by ensuring compliance with rigorous state and federal safety standards—experience that has strengthened his commitment to transparency, oversight, and responsible government.

Francis believes effective leadership means looking beyond partisan politics and focusing on what works. He is dedicated to safeguarding taxpayer dollars, supporting strong public schools, investing in reliable infrastructure, standing up for workers, and helping local businesses succeed. With an analytical mindset, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to public service, Francis is ready to be a thoughtful and effective voice for the families and communities of the 8th District in Hartford.

State Elections