Groton — Bob Statchen, the Democratic candidate for the 18th District seat in the state Senate, has received the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut, his campaign announced.

“The people of eastern Connecticut have long prized independent thinking leaders who put the communities they represent first,” Statchen said in a statement. “I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut and I believe it shows that I will be a representative that fights for everyone in the 18th Senate District. Working together, we will overcome the pandemic, rebuild our economy, improve our (health care), and put our state back on track to a brighter future.”

Statchen, an Air Force veteran, is a colonel in the Connecticut Air National Guard, a law professor at Western New England University and a member of the Stonington Board of Finance. He is running for a second time against Sen. Heather Somers, a Groton Republican.

The Independent Party of Connecticut is affiliated with The Alliance Party, “the political arm of a nationwide movement to elect public servants who will end corruption, stagnation and partisan politics,” according The Alliance Party website.