Bob Duff Named NCSL President-Elect
The Connecticut Senate Majority Leader will lead the national organization starting in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Legislative Policy
Live Poll
Do you trust local lawmakers to manage national roles without neglecting their duties to your community?
Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff has been named president-elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). He is slated to assume the presidency of the national body in August 2027.
Why it matters
The appointment elevates a Connecticut lawmaker to a prominent national leadership role representing thousands of state officials. It marks a significant milestone for the state, as the last Connecticut resident to hold the position served nearly four decades ago.
The NCSL represents more than 7,000 lawmakers and 30,000 staff members. Duff is the first Connecticut resident to lead the organization since Irving Stolberg served in 1986-1987, a gap of 40 years.
The players
Bob Duff
He is the Connecticut Senate Majority Leader who represents the Norwalk area.
Joe Biden
He is the current President of the United States who sent a congratulatory letter to the senator.
Irving Stolberg
He was the last Connecticut resident to serve as the president of the NCSL.
The details
Duff, who represents the Norwalk area and has worked as a real estate agent for over 30 years, previously served as vice president of the organization. The NCSL maintains a rotation system that alternates its presidency annually between Republican and Democratic members.
Timeline
1986-1987: Irving Stolberg served as NCSL president.
2002: Duff started in the state House of Representatives.
2004: Duff was elected to the state Senate.
2015: Duff became majority leader.
August 2027: Duff will become NCSL president.
Political Context
Duff's selection reflects the organization's commitment to rotating leadership annually between political parties. This appointment follows the precedent set by Irving Stolberg, whose 1986-1987 term remains the last time Connecticut held the presidency of the national body.
The appointment does not change daily state-level regulations or current tax brackets for Connecticut residents. It positions the state's leadership to influence broader national discussions on state legislative policy.
The takeaway
Duff’s selection highlights the active participation of Connecticut lawmakers in national governance organizations. Local voters should note that this role will coincide with his upcoming duties as Senate President pro tempore.
What happens next
Bob Duff is scheduled to officially assume the presidency of the National Conference of State Legislatures in August 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state legislative affairs, visit Legislative Policy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartfort Courant.
Live Poll
Do you trust local lawmakers to manage national roles without neglecting their duties to your community?
