Hartford Mayor Decides Against Run for Governor

HARTFORD, CT — Four months after filing paperwork to create an exploratory committee to consider running for governor of Connecticut in 2018, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced Monday he will not enter the gubernatorial race.

“After four months spending evenings and weekends on the road all across our state, I’m confident that there is a path ahead in this primary and in this general election for our campaign," Bronin said in a written statement. "We’ve gained strong support from delegates heading into the convention. And thanks to thousands of supporters, we’ve raised enough money to be confident of reaching the threshold for public financing under the Citizens Election Program.

“But as I’ve considered the road ahead, I’ve kept my commitment to Hartford at the forefront of my mind. After thinking hard and wrestling with this decision, I have decided to end my exploratory committee and stay focused on my work as Mayor.

“While our state may be at a critical moment, our city is, too. Last fall, we were able to build new partnership with the state of Connecticut — marrying new financial assistance with long-term accountability. I believe deeply that agreement was the right and responsible path, not just for Hartford but for Connecticut. As legislators and others threaten to undo that work, I want to be able to make the case for maintaining that new partnership without regard for politics. I want to fight as hard for Hartford in the coming months as I have over the past two years.

“I also don’t want my status in this race to be a reason for people to condemn or politicize the agreement we reached with the state. I don’t want anyone to undermine our city as a way of getting at me, and I cannot let Hartford’s future become the casualty of a political fight.

“I want to thank the many people who supported my campaign, and the many Hartford residents who asked me to stay and continue the good and tough work we’re doing in our city. We’re making progress in our city every single day, and I’m excited to keep working to make a better future for Hartford a reality.”

AP Photo/Jessica Hill

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