Let $G$ be a (connected) semisimple algebraic group over an algebraically closed field $k$ of characteristic 0.
We consider the adjoint representation
$$ {\rm Ad}\colon G\to {\rm GL}({\mathfrak g}),$$
where ${\mathfrak g}={\rm Lie}\ G$.

I am looking for a *reference* to a proof of the following assertion:

> **Proposition.** *For any* semisimple *element $X\in{\mathfrak g}$, 
its stabilizer ${\rm Stab}_G(X)\subset G$ with respect to the adjoint representation
is connected.*

I think that I can prove the proposition; see my proof below.

*Proof.* Our semisimple element $X$ is contained in a Cartan subalgebra ${\mathfrak t}$ of ${\mathfrak g}$, which is the Lie algebra of a maximal torus $T$ of $G$. Then ${\mathfrak t}$ is an algebraic subalgebra of ${\mathfrak g}$.
Let ${\langle X\rangle_{\rm alg}}\subset {\mathfrak g}$ denote the smallest algebraic subalgebra of ${\mathfrak g}$ containing $X$;
then ${\langle X\rangle_{\rm alg}}\subseteq {\mathfrak t}$. It follows that ${\langle X\rangle_{\rm alg}}={\rm Lie}\ S$ for some subtorus $S\subseteq T$.
Now (in characteristic 0) we have
$${\rm Stab}_G(X)=\bigcap_{Y\in {\langle X\rangle_{\rm alg}}} {\rm Stab}_G(Y)=C_G(S),$$
where $C_G(S)$ denotes the centralizer of the torus $S$ in $G$.
By Theorem 22.3 of Humphreys' book "Linear Algebraic Groups", 
$C_G(S)$ is connected, as required.