by Donald Eng
HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont says he’s not done.
In officially announcing his bid for a third term (he confirmed his intention to do so last week) Lamont said Connecticut had made remarkable progress, but there was more to do to make sure everyone was sharing in it.
“I’m working to keep the confidence of our state’s residents, businesses, and more to build our momentum by delivering for working families,” he said in a statement. “Let’s keep Connecticut moving forward, together.”
In his announcement, Lamont cited the state’s progress in reducing pension liabilities, middle class tax cuts, protection of abortion rights, immigrant safeguards and investments in education and childcare.
“I’m running because Connecticut deserves leadership that fights for the future of our kids and our communities,” Lamont said. “We’ve come too far, and because of what we’ve been able to achieve, let’s do more for the people of Connecticut.”
Lamont’s challenger for the Democratic Party nomination, Deputy House Speaker Josh Elliott of Hamden, issued a statement of his own Friday, pointing out that the only governor in state history to serve a third term was John Rowland.
State Sen. Josh Elliott of Hamden. Credit: Contributed / Josh Elliott campaign photo
“We all remember how that ended,” Elliott said. “The point isn’t scandal. The point is accountability. Long tenures without real pressure drift toward protecting the few instead of fighting for the many.”
Elliott, who according to his campaign website also co-owns a Hamden natural and organic health food store, cited the rising cost of living and said the richest residents “keep winning” and Lamont was unwilling to take on difficult fights.
“Housing, childcare, insurance, energy, food, transportation — every major cost driver has risen faster than household income. But not faster than capital gains,” he said.
Lamont also faces a challenge from Greenwich Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio. Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart also has announced a committee to explore a run for statewide office, presumably governor, an office she previously ran for in 2018. Her committee has so far raised just under $360,000, according to her campaign website.
Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, speaks to reporters about the Senate Democrats plans for energy legislation on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Credit: Doug Hardy / CTNewsJunkie
Fazio, in a statement posted to his campaign website, criticized Lamont over the state’s electricity and tax rates.
“Regular families are struggling to make ends meet. Two terms are enough,” he said. “It’s time for a positive change. As governor, I will reduce electricity rates by 20 percent, cut taxes by $1,500 per family, support our law enforcement, and create opportunity for all.”
Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart Credit: Contributed / Erin Stewart campaign Facebook photo
Stewart, in a statement posted on X last week, vaguely commented “Governor Lamont wants a third term. Ambition’s good…so is accountability.”
She said she would have more to say soon, but so far has not expanded on her thoughts.
Lamont said his campaign agenda would focus on affordability, lowering the cost for necessities such as childcare and healthcare, investment in education and infrastructure and fiscal responsibility.
His reelection campaign began with a statewide tour Friday that included stops at a workforce development roundtable in Bridgeport, a walking tour of downtown New Haven, an energy policy press conference in Groton, a healthcare roundtable in Hartford and a campaign launch party in Waterbury.