Alex Kasser Announces Resignation From State Senate

GREENWICH, CT — Alex Kasser, the State Senator (D-36) who represents Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan, has announced her resignation.

Kasser released a statement on Tuesday morning announcing her plans to step down, saying that she intends to now focus on her ongoing divorce battle with her estranged husband Seth Bergstein. Bergstein is a senior managing director and head of global services at Morgan Stanley.

It is with deep sadness that I announce my resignation as State Senator. Serving the residents of Connecticut’s 36th Senate district has been a profound honor and a great joy. However, due to personal circumstances, I cannot continue. My statement is here: https://t.co/5pvUrTUwnv pic.twitter.com/oYDirA4BUX
— Alex Kasser (@Alex4CT) June 22, 2021

"It is with deep sadness that I announce my resignation as State Senator. Serving the residents of Connecticut’s 36th Senate district has been a profound honor and a great joy. However, due to personal circumstances, I cannot continue. For nearly three years, I’ve been trying to divorce Seth Bergstein. As all survivors of domestic abuse know, emancipating ourselves is an epic struggle that takes years, requires unflinching courage and all our resources — mental, physical, and financial," Kasser said in her statement.

Kasser alleged that Bergstein "uses his powerful position at Morgan Stanley to enable his conduct, so I must work even harder to fight for my freedom. Because of the enormous time and energy this consumes, I can no longer serve my constituents to my fullest ability."

Kasser went on to say that she can no longer live in Greenwich due to the ongoing divorce because it's "too painful" and that she has lost contact with her children. She alleged that Bergstein has "tried to destroy" her partner, Nichola Samponaro, who also grew up in Greenwich, through court motions.

Bergstein reflected on her time in Hartford, and said she was proud of passing legislation that included the Parentage Law and Jennifer's Law. Jennifer's Law, named after Jennifer Dulos, helped establish programs to provide legal representation for domestic violence victims who file restraining orders.

"I am forever grateful for the honor of representing this district and the opportunity to move the needle towards progress. I thank those who supported me during this difficult time and I wish everyone peace," she said.

To read the full statement, click here.

Janet Battey, Bergstein's matrimonial lawyer, said in a statement to Patch that Kasser's "outrageous allegations and narrative couldn't be further from the truth."

"Ms. Kasser sadly continues to wage a public battle in the press while simultaneously dragging out the court proceedings," Battey added. "Throughout the marriage, Ms. Kasser described Seth as a devoted father and patient and loving husband. Seth and his three children sought to keep this matter private, but Ms. Kasser continues to make blatantly false public statements in furtherance of her own agenda. Mr. Bergstein trusts the legal system and family court and that the upcoming trial will reveal Ms. Kasser’s narrative for what it is."

This news comes on the heels of Kasser hiring divorce attorney, Robert Cohen, according to CNBC. Cohen represents Melinda Gates in her divorce with Bill Gates, and has also represented former President Donald Trump's two ex-wives, Ivanka Trump and Marla Maples.

According to CNBC, Kasser's and Bergstein's divorce trial will begin in August.

Patch has reached out to Morgan Stanley and Seth Bergstein for comment