HARTFORD, Conn. — Through hundreds of hours on the Senate floor, often to an empty chamber, state Sen. Rob Sampson has argued what he believes, often at the expense of expediency and Democrats’ ability to get on with business.

As the newly elected leader of the Republicans’ tiny three-member Senate caucus, Sampson plans to continue to do just that.

Just three Republicans were elected to the Connecticut Senate on Nov. 3 as a blue wave swept out longtime fixtures like Heather Somers, who was elected in 2016, John Kissel, elected in 1993, former Minority Leader Stephen Harding and others. Other Senate Republicans, like Tony Hwang, elected in 2014, and Ryan Fazio, who ran instead for governor, did not seek re-election.

“The Nov. 4 election results were a serious setback for Connecticut Republicans,” Sampson, of Wolcott, said in a statement with Sen. Eric Berthel. “Many voters who have supported Republican candidates are asking whether those positions still have a voice in Hartford. They do. We know what we stand for, we know who we represent, and we remain firmly committed to the principles we believe in.”

The caucus lost eight seats in the election and Sampson, now minority leader, Berthel, who will serve as Senate Republican leader pro tempore, and Sen. Henri Martin, of Bristol, are the only members left to author bills, collaborate in committees and hear public testimony. Questions remain about the budget the caucus will have, the space and the staff, and how so few could cover so many committees.

Sampson is resolute that his caucus will continue to do what he says it’s always done.

“The goal is to improve the lives of the people of Connecticut. That’s always been the goal. And my view is the Republican agenda is the way to do that,” Sampson told The Courant.

In their joint statement, Sampson and Berthel hinted at their strategy to serve as a witness to Democrats’ choices, educate the public and wait for the next election to reap what they hope will be dissatisfaction with the results.

“We will challenge bad legislation, demand answers, and expose government overreach. We will make sure Connecticut residents understand exactly what is happening inside their State Capitol, what their elected officials are proposing, how they are voting, and what those decisions mean for their families. We will document the path they take, vote by vote,” the statement said.

As to how three people will handle the workload of what might be 30 committees, Sampson said they will “adapt.”

“We’re going to focus clearly on the key issues that I think are going to move the needle to advance the Republican cause and help elect Republicans in the future,” he said, noting that the caucus would rely on what staff they are allowed to retain in order to keep up. Caucus Chief of Staff Michael Downes announced his resignation Tuesday.

“I think what we will probably do is really lean on our staff … and show up to the relevant legislation and make sure our voices are heard,” he said.

Sampson contends that Democrats essentially ran on Republican policies: lowering taxes and energy costs, holding utilities accountable and making life more affordable. Further, he says, “40% of people in our state voted for Republicans and they’re going to have only 10% representation in the Senate. I’ve got to make sure we understand that we have to speak for those people.”

He plans to use social media to enlist the public to pressure Democratic lawmakers, making up for the leverage Republicans no longer have in votes. He notes successes in stopping legislation on tolls, the 2022 suspension of the gas tax and Gov. Ned Lamont’s veto of the initial housing bill, all through Republican-led pressure campaigns.

On speculation that the caucus will be unable to request a roll call vote with just three members, Sampson is skeptical that Democrats would deny a request.

“I would consider that borderline tyrannical and I would try to draw a lot of attention to it … because I think one of the most important ways to hold lawmakers accountable is getting people on record on how they voted.”

Rules say that final action on legislation must be done by roll call.

While Sampson is known as more of an obstructionist due to his lengthy speeches that delay action, both sides said they are hopeful of a collaborative approach, particularly around affordability.

“I believe in the institution of the Senate and the fact that everybody is duly elected and has a voice and should be respected,” Sen. Bob Duff, whose caucus has elected him Senate majority leader, said Tuesday.

“That said, we are a 33-member strong caucus and we will get our agenda accomplished by the end of session. I have always worked well with members of leadership from the opposite party and I would hope that would continue but that would depend on the new leader, whether he earns a place at the table,” Duff said.

His own caucus has 12 new members who are “super eager, raring to go, ready to roll up their sleeves,” he said.

“We have enjoyed good strong majorities in the past few terms and this is an even stronger majority, so we want to set out the goals we heard on the campaign trail,” he said, naming, most notably, affordability, but also healthcare, AI and data centers.

Sampson said in the past Republicans have been shut out of drafting legislation.

“The sad reality is that when you have a lot of extra votes, you don’t need the minority … I can’t count the number of times the door is closed in our face and I get to the find out what’s in the bill when I get the bill, steaming from the copier and oh, I’ve got to vote in 5 minutes,” he said.

He doesn’t count the caucus out, though. He acknowledges the harm done to Republican candidates by association with President Donald Trump and hopes to redeem the party before the next election.

“Despite having only three senators, we are by no means defeated. We represent 40% or more of the population of Connecticut by votes and possibly a majority by our value system. And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that’s known and restore faith in Connecticut Republicans and that means for Republican voters, too, as well as the average citizen who just wanted a better Connecticut.”

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