Senate Leadership

Donald E. Williams, Jr. is currently in his ninth term, having first been elected in a special election in 1993 from the 29th Senate District. He serves as the chairman of the Legislative Management Committee, and is the vice-chair of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee. In the past he has served as chairman of the Judiciary, Environment and Childrens committees. In 2003, he was appointed Chief Deputy President Pro Tempore and Caucus Chairman of the Senate Democratic caucus.

In July 2004, Senator Williams was elected by the members of the state Senate to serve as President Pro Tempore, the highest-ranking legislator in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was reelected to the prestigious post in 2005 and again in 2007.

As President Pro Tempore, Senator Williams serves as the leader and chief policymaker in his caucus, helping to guide bills important to the Senate Democratic Caucus through the legislative process until they are signed into law. As Senate President, he is second in the line of gubernatorial succession, preceded only by the Lieutenant Governor. Senator Williams is also responsible for assembling his caucus’s leadership team, for designating committee assignments to fellow Democratic Senators, and for presiding over all meetings of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Visit Senator Williams’ Web page.

Martin M. Looney is currently serving his ninth term in the state Senate, having first been elected to the 11th Senate District in 1992. Prior to that he served as a State Representative from 1980-1992. In 1996, Senator Looney was named chairman of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, a position that he held until being named Senate Majority Leader in December 2002.

As Majority Leader, Senator Looney serves as the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate. With the Senate President he presides over all meetings of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and is chiefly responsible for establishing a Senate calendar of action every time the Senate is in session and for ushering important legislation through the State Senate once it has completed the committee process and reached the Senate floor. Senator Looney is also actively involved in committee appointments and the screening process for all bills adopted in the legislature.

Visit Senator Looney’ Web page.