Ackert Remaining In Lt. Governor Race, Saying 'Leadership Matters'

COVENTRY, CT — Tim Ackert on Thursday said he is not about to disappear as a candidate for lieutenant governor amid the political hub-bub created by his would-be running mate's decision to withdraw from the governor's race.

Former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart said she is suspending her gubernatorial bid as scrutiny mounts over her use of a city-issued credit card. Ackert, himself a former state representative in Tolland County, and a popular one at that, had announced in April a desire to seek the lieutenant governor's spot on the ballot and run with her.

On Thursday in a social media post, Ackert said he is going nowhere.

He also made a live statement.

"I am marching on to end the one-party rule in the state of Connecticut and team up with whoever gets the (gubernatorial) nomination to win in November," he told Patch.

Here is his full social media statement:

"The allegations surrounding the misuse of taxpayer-funded resources and a municipal credit card are serious and deserve full transparency and accountability. Public office is a position of trust, and the people of Connecticut expect their elected leaders to uphold the highest ethical standards.

"I condemn any misuse of taxpayer dollars or public resources, and Connecticut residents deserve leaders who treat public service with honesty and integrity.

"While the situation is unfortunate, this moment must also serve as a reminder that leadership matters. Connecticut families are struggling with rising costs, public safety concerns, and a lack of confidence in state government. They deserve leaders who will put integrity, responsibility, and service above politics and personal interest.

"The mission remains the same: Offering Connecticut voters a credible, principled Republican vision for the future.

"Our party must continue moving forward with unity, seriousness, and a commitment to earning the trust of the people we hope to serve. I remain fully committed to this race for Lieutenant Governor and will continue fighting for a stronger future for Connecticut."

Here is Stewart's statement:

"Today, I am announcing that I am suspending my campaign for Governor of Connecticut effective immediately. The continued allegations from New Britain City Hall have understandably taken over this race and diverted attention away from the critical mission of saving our state from high taxes, high costs, the most expensive energy in America, and low opportunity for young people.

"As I said Tuesday night, public service comes with scrutiny, and I have always accepted that. Anyone who knows me — whether from my years serving the people of New Britain, working alongside colleagues, or simply as a friend, daughter, wife, and mother — knows the kind of leader I have always tried to be.

"I take the allegations that have been made against me very seriously. And for that reason, I am
suspending my gubernatorial campaign effective immediately so that I can focus on addressing
those claims.

"Yesterday I requested copies of of the relevant documents and I will be reviewing them carefully. I will take accountability for any mistakes, and I intend to make full and complete restitution to the City of New Britain — my home — for anything that I owe. It is extraordinarily difficult to make this decision because we have run an amazing campaign so far.

"We attracted more than 3,000 individual donors, gained commitments from over 600 delegates, assembled what I believe is the best political team in Connecticut, and I truly believe we were poised to win the convention, win the primary, and defeat Governor Lamont in November. I do not have enough words to express my heartfelt gratitude and love for everyone from across the state who joined our movement and believed in me personally. I know many of them are disappointed. I am too. But now is the time to step away and put my husband, our daughter, our son, my family, and their interests first.

"I have spoken to Senator Ryan Fazio and informed him of my decision. I also told him that he has my full support in becoming our party’s nominee, and I encourage all delegates who were supporting me to now support him. This is the time for our party to come together and spend the next six months focused squarely on electing Republicans up and down the ballot."

Stewart also turned to Acket:

"I have also spoken to my running mate, Tim Ackert, to let him know of my decision. Tim has been a source of unceasing hope, energy, grace, and encouragement for me, and I cannot adequately thank him for agreeing to be my running mate. I will always show up for him as he has for me.

"It is my intention not only to suspend my campaign but also to step back from public life as I do what is necessary to address these questions and make things right. I cannot change the past, but I can make the next right decision — and this is it.

"Thank you to my family. Thank you to my friends. Thank you to my amazing campaign team, and to my loyal supporters who have stood by me through so much over the last month."