State Senator Eric Berthel

Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader 

 32nd State Senatorial District 







About Eric

Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader Eric Berthel was elected to his fifth term representing the 32nd State Senatorial District in 2024 representing Bethel, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield

Prior to his election to the state senate, Eric represented the 68th House District, serving Watertown, Oakville, and Woodbury.

Committee Leadership

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Banking

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Education

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Ranking Member

Executive & Legislative Nominations

Co-Chair

Co-Chair

Ranking Member

Legislative Internship

Member

Co-Chair

Member

Appropriations

Member

Co-Chair

Member

Select Committee on Special Education

Background

Roots & Family

Roots & Family

Roots & Family

 Eric was born in Brooklyn, New York, and has lived in Connecticut since 1976. He is a graduate of Pomperaug Regional High School in Southbury. He holds a bachelor's degree from Manhattanville College and a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport.

He and his wife Krista have lived in Watertown since 1998 with their two sons, Matthew and Paul.

Career

Roots & Family

Roots & Family

 Eric's entire working career has been focused on healthcare communications, public relations, marketing, and business development. He and his wife also owned a small retail business in Watertown. He presently works for Post University, where he serves as Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. 

Recognition

  •  2018  The Waterbury Regional Chamber presented Eric with its Legislator of the Year award in honor of his pro-business advocacy at the State Capitol.
  • 2022  The Credit Union League of Connecticut presented him with its Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his many years of support of Connecticut credit unions.
  • 2022  Selected for the Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship Program — one of only 48 state government officials across the U.S. to participate in the premier leadership development program for state leaders.
  • 2022  Named state chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
  • 2022 – 2024  Recognized as a champion for Connecticut businesses by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association for a 100 percent pro-business voting record in each legislative session.
  • 2023  Recognized by AARP as a Consumer Champion.
  • Also recognized by the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for his advocacy in support of law enforcement. The NFIB and CT Realtors have also recognized him for his work on protecting Connecticut's economy.

Community Service

  •  Active member of the Watertown Republican Town Committee.
  • Served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union as the Board Treasurer.
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Water-Oak Crimestoppers since 2018.
  • Board member of Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU).