Greenwich Resident Dita Bhargava Files Paperwork For CT Gubernatorial Run

GREENWICH, CT — Democratic newcomer Dita Bhargava of Greenwich has filed paperwork with the state to explore a run for governor of Connecticut, she announced Tuesday.

A former hedge fund manager, who learned computer coding and how to play the drums at an early age, both challenges for a young female at the time, Bhargava stressed that she is willing to roll up her sleeves and work hard to get Connecticut moving again.

"A lot of people thought Barack Obama couldn't be elected president, and some people might think the same thing about my chances of being governor," Bhargava states toward the end of the handsomely produced campaign video, called "Challenges," that introduces her life story (see below). "But a challenge has never scared me, whether being the only girl in a coding class, on a trading floor or playing the drums. So don't write me off until you see what I can do, and what we can do."

Bhargava's campaign also launched a website that outlines her vision for the state. Though a newcomer to running for statewide office, Bhargava had been vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party from January to last month when she resigned to start her political campaign.

Below is the text of Bhargava's announcement about exploring a run for governor:

Dita Bhargava, a newcomer to the state’s political landscape, yesterday filed paperwork with the state to begin the process of exploring a run for statewide office. Today, her campaign launched a website that outlines her vision for the state and released a video video that introduces her to Connecticut voters.

In her first message to Connecticut residents, Dita said:

“I am exploring a run for statewide office, including governor, because we need new ideas and a fresh perspective in Hartford.

“As I go around introducing myself to various people and groups, I am asked ‘what should we know about you?’

“My answer? I am a different kind of Democrat, in ways that I think will benefit the state.

“I want to be clear – I am a proud Democrat. I believe in the ideals that my party holds close to heart. We are the party of tolerance and inclusion, a party that treats all people with dignity and respect.

“We stand for the middle class and those trying to reach it. We know that government should help hold the ladders, and those who climb them should help build new ones for the rest.

“So how am I different?

“First, I have never held elective office – a quality I view as a positive because it’s a clear sign that I’m not wedded to the old way of doing things.

“I come with years of experience in the private sector, working in the financial services industry.

“I know what businesses are looking for and how we can get them to take a fresh look at Connecticut, so we can grow our tax base and create jobs without having to raise taxes yet again.

“I want to get our economy working for everyone and set a new foundation for our state – one that is built to last.

“I want to invest in our urban communities so we can create thriving cities.

“And I want to make sure the state has the resources it needs to support our working, middle-class families.

“Connecticut has a proud and rich history, and the elements that made us a leader for generations are still here.

“We all know that the challenges we face are steep.

“But one of the biggest problems is that most of our political discourse focuses on who is responsible.

“I am more concerned with fixing what is broken than I am in deciding who broke it.

“It should go without saying that the state is paying a high cost for the many mistakes made by both parties over the last 30 years.

“It’s clear we need to change direction, and we need to do it now.

“We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results, and that includes electing the same old politicians with the same old ideas.

“In fact, if we try to do what we’ve been doing, I believe our party will lose next November.

“With Trump in the White House, there is no way we can let that happen.

“That is why I am considering this run. I have novel strategies that will help foster the change our state needs. I envision a fiscally sound, prosperous and progressive Connecticut that will provide equal access to opportunity for all our residents.

“I look forward to talking with the people of Connecticut in the coming weeks and working with them to make this vision a reality.”

Photo of Dita Bhargava from her campaign website