Former CT Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman Dies; Remembered For Advocacy

Former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman passed away early this morning, according to the governor's office.

Gov. Ned Lamont has directed that U.S. and state flags on all Connecticut state government buildings be lowered to half-staff in her honor.

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Lamont called Wyman a good friend, not only to himself but to Democrats and Connecticut residents. He said she always made people laugh, and she will be missed and warmly remembered.

"She was a tireless advocate for all things Connecticut, and in particular she made healthcare for all her personal crusade, working to develop policies that ensure everyone in Connecticut has access to affordable, quality healthcare services," Lamont said.

"Her leadership led to Connecticut having one of the most successful rollouts of the Affordable Care Act of any state in the nation, driving the uninsured rate to new lows," he added.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said Wyman was a trailblazer, and the first woman to serve as state comptroller in Connecticut.

Bysiewicz called Wyman a "role model and mentor" for her and for many others.

"Nancy was one of a kind. I had the pleasure of working alongside her since 1993 and was deeply honored to succeed her as lieutenant governor," Bysiewicz said. "Her legacy cannot be overstated."

Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney said he had been good friends with Wyman for four decades.

"Nancy cast several important tie-breaking votes as lieutenant governor, including the creation of an IRA for small-business employees and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis," Looney said. "She made history by becoming the first woman comptroller in Connecticut. Nancy was a kind, thoughtful, and generous friend, high-spirited and quick-witted. She also had great exuberance and loved to dance."

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said seeing her always brightened his day.

"She was always genuine and authentic - she took policy seriously but never herself," Duff said. "I'll miss my friend, my joking partner, and someone who loved this state with all she had. Rest easy, Nancy, and thanks for everything."

Attorney General William Tong called Wyman a "dear friend and mentor."

"She was so old-school, in all the best ways. Loyal, compassionate, authentic to her true self and her community, and always there for you when it mattered most," Tong said. "She gave me an 'attaboy' when I needed it, and wasn't shy about poking me when I needed that too. She understood and lived something that too many people in politics have forgotten—public service is about the people and communities you serve, and that's all that matters."

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said she was a "genuine, gentle lady known for high heels and high spirit, and a tireless work ethic."

"She relentlessly built bridges — personal, professional and political — always seeking common ground, but fearless as a fighter for Connecticut values and people," Blumenthal said. "I will miss her as a dear friend and colleague, who worked and travelled together, and shared moments of triumph and challenge. My heart goes out to her family whom she loved so deeply."

On behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, Sen. Stephen Harding said of Wyman, "Classy. Smart. Tough. Humble. Lt. Gov. Wyman loved Connecticut. She dedicated decades of her life to public service and helping people in ways large and small. We are all grateful for that service. Our thoughts are with Nancy's loved ones during this difficult time."

Wyman had a lengthy background in public service. She served as the 108th lieutenant governor of Connecticut from 2011 to 2019. She was state comptroller from 1995 to 2011. She served as state representative of the 53rd Assembly District from 1987 to 1995, according to Lamont's office.

Wyman's early career in public service included serving on the Board of Education in Tolland. She was chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party from 2019 to 2020. According to her official state biography, she had also worked as an x-ray technician during her career.

Wyman also advocated for the state's military and veterans. In 2007, she worked to establish Connecticut's Wall of Honor, which is at the State Capitol and pays tribute to those who lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to her biography.

Details on arrangements have not been released.