# George Jepsen

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American lawyer and politician (born 1954)

George Jepsen 24th Attorney General of Connecticut In office January 5, 2011 – January 9, 2019 Governor Dan Malloy Preceded by Richard Blumenthal Succeeded by William Tong Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party In office December 13, 2002 – January 2005 Preceded by John Olsen Succeeded by Nancy DiNardo Majority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate In office January 8, 1997 – 2003 Preceded by James T. Fleming Succeeded by Martin Looney Member of the Connecticut State Senate from the 27th district In office January 9, 1991 – January 2003 Preceded by Richard Blumenthal Succeeded by Andrew McDonald Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 148th district In office January 7, 1987 – January 9, 1991 Preceded by Richard Cunningham Succeeded by Anne McDonald Personal details Born (1954-11-23) November 23, 1954 (age 71) Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. Party Democratic Spouse Diana Sousa Children 2 Education Dartmouth College (BA) Harvard University (MPP, JD) Website Government website

**George Christian Jepsen**[1] (born November 23, 1954) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 24th [attorney general of Connecticut](/source/Connecticut_Attorney_General) from 2011 to 2019.

Jepsen was a [State Senator](/source/Connecticut_State_Senate) from [Connecticut](/source/Connecticut)'s 27th Senate district, representing [Stamford](/source/Stamford%2C_Connecticut) and part of [Darien](/source/Darien%2C_Connecticut), and served in the Connecticut Senate from 1991 to 2003.[2] During his time in the Senate, he served as Senate [Majority Leader](/source/Majority_leader) from 1997 to 2003.[2] Prior to that, he served in the [Connecticut House of Representatives](/source/Connecticut_House_of_Representatives) from 1987 to 1991, representing part of Stamford in Connecticut's 148th House district.[2] After leaving the State Senate, he became Chairman of the Connecticut [State Democratic Party](/source/Connecticut_Democratic_Party) from 2003 to 2005.[3][4][5]

## Early life and education

Jepsen was born in [Hattiesburg, Mississippi](/source/Hattiesburg%2C_Mississippi).[6] A [Phi Beta Kappa](/source/Phi_Beta_Kappa) graduate of [Dartmouth College](/source/Dartmouth_College), he earned his [J.D.](/source/Juris_Doctor) degree from [Harvard Law School](/source/Harvard_Law_School) with honors and also earned a master's degree in public policy from the [Kennedy School of Government](/source/Kennedy_School_of_Government).[2] To help pay for his education, he worked as a teaching fellow in constitutional law for former [Watergate](/source/Watergate) prosecutor [Archibald Cox](/source/Archibald_Cox).[2]

## Career

Following graduation, Jepsen worked as staff counsel for Carpenters Local Union 210 for Western Connecticut for nearly ten years,[2][7] which included such responsibilities as negotiating contracts for wages and benefits, representing injured workers, ensuring job safety, and advocating for different bidding practices. In private practice, Jepsen was employed at several Connecticut's law firms, which included work with the [probate court](/source/Connecticut_Probate_Courts), [estate planning](/source/Estate_planning), representing small business in contract negotiations, government compliance, and real estate transactions. He also served as a defendant in criminal and civil courts.[2]

### Connecticut General Assembly (1987–2003)

In 1984, Jepsen attempted to primary Democratic Senator of the [27th district](/source/Connecticut's_27th_State_Senate_district) Anthony Truglia. Endorsed by [Stamford Mayor](/source/Mayor_of_Stamford%2C_Connecticut) Thom Serrani and former [House Speaker](/source/Speaker_of_the_Connecticut_House_of_Representatives) Ernst N. Abate, he lost 51% to 49%.[8][9]

Jepsen served 16 years in the [Connecticut General Assembly](/source/Connecticut_General_Assembly), first as State Representative from the 148th House District and then as a State Senator from Connecticut's 27th Senate District, the last six as Majority Leader. As a legislator, Jepsen worked in a variety of areas including [clean energy](/source/Sustainable_energy), [gun safety](/source/Gun_safety), and [civil rights](/source/Civil_and_political_rights). Jepsen assisted in the development of laws that reformed [HMO](/source/Health_maintenance_organization) and insurance practices. As Senate Majority Leader, Jepsen worked to develop bills that protect Connecticut's natural assets. Jepsen co-authored the Open Space Trust Fund, an initiative that sets aside $10 million in funding for the purchase of open space. Jepsen worked to pass legislation to revitalize blighted areas in [brownfields](/source/Brownfield), including efforts to expand state financial assistance to re-developers. This was incentivized by tax credits to businesses that invested in redevelopment of contaminated properties in the state. Jepsen helped the passage of legislation to replace Connecticut's "Sooty Six" power plants with more ecological plants that have lower level of CO2 emissions. These six old coal-burning plants were contributing to Connecticut's unique air pollution problem and rise in [asthma](/source/Asthma) rates. This initiative also involved new funding to upgrade sewage treatment plants for cleaner rivers.[2]

As Senate Majority Leader, Jepsen became a national leader against the [National Rifle Association](/source/National_Rifle_Association). He helped pass legislation prohibiting the sale or possession of assault weapons, mandating [trigger locks](/source/Trigger_locks), and necessitating tougher [background checks](/source/Background_check). This work was nationally recognized by the [Brady Campaign](/source/Brady_Campaign) and the [Million Mom March](/source/Million_Mom_March). Jepsen worked to ban [sexual orientation discrimination](/source/Sexual_orientation_discrimination), strengthen [hate crime](/source/Hate_crime) laws, and expand Connecticut's living will laws. Jepsen supported health insurance reform to improve covered services for [mental illness](/source/Mental_disorder) and emergency room conditions. He helped mandate that health insurers cover the costs of [mammograms](/source/Mammography) and [birth control](/source/Birth_control) and helped pass legislation to outlaw “drive-through” mastectomies and childbirth deliveries, so insurers cover at least a 48-hour hospital stay.[2]

### 2010–2018 Connecticut Attorney General

Main article: [Connecticut attorney general election, 2010](/source/Connecticut_attorney_general_election%2C_2010)

George Jepsen speaking at a Department of Justice presentation.

Jepsen announced on January 6, 2010, that he would form an exploratory committee for Attorney General,[10] receiving the Democratic Party's endorsement on May 22.[11] On July 12 Jepsen announced he had qualified for public financing in the Citizens Election Program.[12] On November 2, 2010, he was elected as [attorney general of Connecticut](/source/Connecticut_Attorney_General)[13]

Jepsen was reelected in 2014, defeating Republican opponent Kie Westby.[14]

## Electoral history

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Democratic primary, 1984 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic Anthony Truglia (Inc.) 3,826 51.39 Democratic George Jepsen 3,619 48.61

Connecticut House of Representatives 148th District Election, 1986 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen 2,779 53.72 Republican Marie Hawe 2,394 46.28

Connecticut House of Representatives 148th District Election, 1988 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen (inc.) 4,263 55.28 Republican James Rubino 3,448 44.72

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Election, 1990 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen 11,827 52.10 Republican Werner Depuy 10,082 44.41 Petition Richard Cunningham 793 3.49

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Election, 1992 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic* George Jepsen (inc.) 18,692 54.12 Republican Nick Pavia 15,843 45.88

*Jepsen was also listed on the A Connecticut Party line.

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Election, 1994 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen (inc.) 11,545 60.82 Republican Mike Morris 7,438 39.18

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Election, 1996 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen (inc.) 19,212 63.97 Republican Vincent Mobilio 10,820 36.03

Connecticut State Senate 27th District Election, 1998 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen (inc.) 13,071 66.76 Republican Joseph Valdes 6,509 33.24

Connecticut State Senate 27th District, 2000 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic George Jepsen (inc.) 19,732 66.69 Republican Joseph Bongiorno 9,855 33.31

Connecticut Attorney General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic* George Jepsen 591,725 53.71 Republican Martha Dean 480,310 43.59 Green* Stephen Fournier 29,759 2.70

*Jepsen was also listed on the [Working Families Party](/source/Working_Families_Party) line; Fournier was also listed on the [Independent Party](/source/Independent_Party_of_Connecticut) line.

Connecticut Attorney General Election, 2014 Party Candidate Votes % Democratic* George Jepsen (inc.) 590,225 56.73 Republican* Kie Westby 427,869 41.12 Green Stephen Fournier 22,361 2.15

*Jepsen was also listed on the Working Families Party line; Westby was also listed on the Independent Party line.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nytimes_1-0)** [Diana Sousa to Wed George C. Jepsen in May](https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/17/style/diana-sousa-to-wed-george-c-jepsen-in-may.html), December 17, 1989, *The New York Times*

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-GJ2010_2-8) ["George Jepsen Biography Page"](http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?a=2178&q=471206). ct.gov/AG. Retrieved January 9, 2012.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Stowe, Stacey (2003-03-02). ["Parties Get New Leaders"](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/02/nyregion/parties-get-new-leaders.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). Retrieved 2023-02-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Post-Election Ups and Downs"](https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2002-12-15-0212150859-story.html).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Stowe, Stacey (13 February 2005). ["There is No Hiding from Nancy DiNardo"](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/nyregion/there-is-no-hiding-from-nancy-dinardo.html). *The New York Times*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Jepsen, WNBA, Bethany Fire Department, One Innocent Life"](https://www.milfordmirror.com/news/article/Jepsen-WNBA-Bethany-Fire-Department-One-14511384.php). *Milford Mirror*. 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2023-10-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Local Dems meet AG candidate"](http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2010/06/05/news/doc4c0aefd294d92098130646.txt). *The New Britain Herald News*. June 5, 2010. Retrieved June 15, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Incumbents upset in state primaries"](https://books.google.com/books?id=8-5HAAAAIBAJ&dq=special+senate+election+connecticut&pg=PA12&article_id=1409,2338685). *[Record-Journal](/source/Record-Journal)*. September 12, 1984.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Gov. O'Neill's allies ousted in Democratic primaries"](https://books.google.com/books?id=lTJSAAAAIBAJ&dq=jepsen+truglia&pg=PA4&article_id=1327,2145531). *[The Day](/source/The_Day_(New_London))*. September 12, 1984.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Bailey, Melissa (January 6, 2010). ["Jepsen's Running For AG"](http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2010/01/jepsens_running.php). New Haven Independent. Retrieved June 15, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GJNom_11-0)** ["Jepsen wins AG nomination | The Connecticut Mirror"](http://www.ctmirror.org/story/6112/jepsen-wins-ag-nomination). Ctmirror.org. May 22, 2010. Retrieved June 15, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Phaneuf, Keith (July 12, 2010). ["Jepsen qualifies for public financing in AG's race"](http://www.ctmirror.org/story/6741/jepsen-qualifies-public-financing-ags-race). CT Mirror. Retrieved July 12, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Jepsen Declares Victory in Attorney General Race"](http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-underticket-election-results-2010-20101102,0,2477571.story). courant.com. November 2, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Mahony, Edmund H. (November 4, 2014). ["Jepsen Wins Again In Attorney General Race"](http://www.courant.com/politics/elections/hc-westby-jepsen-fournier-attorney-general-election-2014-20141104-story.html). *Hartford Courant*.

## External links

- [Official website of Attorney General George Jepsen](https://portal.ct.gov/ag)

Connecticut House of Representatives Preceded by Richard Cunningham Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 148th district 1987–1991 Succeeded by Anne McDonald Connecticut State Senate Preceded by Richard Blumenthal Member of the Connecticut State Senate from the 27th district 1991–2003 Succeeded by Andrew McDonald Preceded by James T. Fleming Majority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate 1997–2003 Succeeded by Martin Looney Party political offices Preceded by Richard Blumenthal Democratic nominee for Connecticut Attorney General 2010, 2014 Succeeded by William Tong Preceded by Joe Courtney Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut 2002 Succeeded by Mary Glassman Preceded by John Olsen Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party 2003–2005 Succeeded by Nancy DiNardo Legal offices Preceded by Dick Blumenthal Attorney General of Connecticut 2011–2019 Succeeded by William Tong

Authority control databases International VIAF WorldCat National United States

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [George Jepsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Jepsen) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Jepsen?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.