Stonington _ Bob Statchen, the Democratic candidate for the 18th District State Senate seat, has had his Connecticut Air National Guard deployments extended through June 24, according to his campaign.

Statchen, who is challenging incumbent Republican Heather Somers of Groton, initially was deployed on March 15 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His campaign said Statchen, a colonel, is serving as Connecticut National Guard’s liaison to the Department of Emergency Response and Department of Homeland Security, coordinating the distribution of personal protective equipment to health care, long-term care and assisted living facilities, first responders, small businesses and municipalities throughout eastern Connecticut.

His campaign said that in accordance with Department of the Air Force and Department of Defense regulations, Statchen is not actively participating in his campaign during his deployment. His campaign staff and volunteers are continuing the campaign during his deployment.