State Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, has announced she plans to seek a fifth term as state senator for the 18th District in the November 2024 election.

“It is an immense honor to represent the hardworking people of the 18th district, deliver results that strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and challenge the status quo in Hartford to hold our state government accountable to all its citizens,” Somers said in a news release Tuesday.

“I look forward to building on a demonstrated track record of fighting with an independent and effective voice to improve the lives of all the residents in the district,” she added. “I will continue to push to reduce Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, support the growth and competitiveness of small businesses, promote greater access to affordable quality health care, advocate for strong schools that uphold the rights of parents and prepare students for success, be creative in housing solutions, further develop our workforce pipeline, support our police and safe communities, and expose mismanagement and corruption at all levels of government.”

The 18th District covers Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown.

Somers, a Mystic resident, is the ranking member on the Public Health Committee and Executive Nominations Committee, and a member of the Appropriations Committee and Commerce Committee.

She also is the co-chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus and Mental Health Caucus. She co-founded a biotech company and was a town councilor and town mayor.