From farm life to the 109th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Susan Bysiewicz's path to state leadership was paved by decades of legislative experience and a diverse legal career. Now serving as the 109th Lieutenant Governor, she balances roles in economic growth with high-level oversight of the State Senate.

Bysiewicz began her public service in the Connecticut House of Representatives, where she represented the 100th Assembly District from 1993 to 1999. During this time, she served approximately 22,000 constituents across Middletown, Middlefield, and Durham. Her legislative tenure was notable for being part of the state's largest freshman class since 1974. She first entered the legislature after a redistricting following the 1990 Federal Census. During her first race, she beat Republican Joseph Milardo, winning 61–39%. A 67% majority allowed her to win a second term during 1994.

Her professional background is rooted in law and corporate practice. After earning a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, she practiced as an associate at White & Case in New York City before moving to Hartford. She later joined the legal department of Aetna, gaining experience in the private sector before returning to public office. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Yale University before pursuing her law degree. While studying at Duke, she authored a biography about Governor Ella Grasso. Her private practice in Hartford lasted four years before her transition to Aetna.

In her current role, Bysiewicz serves as the president of the Connecticut State Senate and works alongside Governor Ned Lamont on key state initiatives. Her work involves leading various working groups focused on economic growth, equality, and addressing the achievement gap. She was sworn into her second term as Lieutenant Governor on January 4, 2023. She currently oversees the Connecticut Complete Count Committee and the Governor's Council on Women and Girls. These groups aim to move the state forward through specific policy goals. She also manages requests for honorary citations for local events.

Between 1999 and 2011, she held the position of Connecticut's Secretary of State. This extensive history in state government informs her current focus on fostering innovation and inclusivity while preserving a culture where diverse ideas can thrive within the state's governance. Her political journey included a brief 2010 run for governor before she pivoted to seek the Attorney General seat. In 2018, she withdrew from a gubernatorial bid to join Ned Lamont's ticket. She previously lost a Democratic primary in 2012 to Chris Murphy.

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