State Comptroller To Step Down Over Medical Issues

CONNECTICUT — State Comptroller Kevin Lembo is resigning from his position due to a serious and debilitating heart condition, effective Dec. 31, according to a statement issued by his office Friday morning.

"It's been the honor of my life to serve the people of CT," Lembo posted on social media. "I've worked every day of the past 11 years to represent this office with honesty, integrity and a focus on the common good."

As comptroller, Lembo oversees the state's finances, and is also the head of health services for state employees and retirees. He was first elected to the job in 2010, following a stint as the state's first health care advocate.

Lembo said he made his decision to step down after repeated consultations with a team of cardiologists who advised him to stop working.

“Over ten years ago, voters took a chance on a gay, vegetarian nerd that had never run for office in his life," Lembo said in a statement. "Even now, I love the work that I do and the people I work with. Unfortunately, my health simply won’t allow me to continue to serve."

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called Lembo "one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated policy wonks and leaders I have had the honor to serve with." Tong praised Lembo's advocacy of "transparency and open government, and efforts to curb the costs of health care and combat the opioid epidemic."

Gov. Ned Lamont lauded Lembo's dedication to increasing access to health care, "specifically focused on reducing costs while improving quality of care and ensuring that nobody is left behind. He has looked out for the vulnerable his entire life. Throughout his three terms in office, he has truly made an impact, and Connecticut stands in a much stronger position today because of it."

Lembo will leave office on Dec. 31. His successor will be named by Governor Ned Lamont, as required by state statute when the legislature is not in session.

“I’m sorry to learn that Comptroller Lembo is leaving due to health concerns, and I wish him all the best as he steps away from state government to focus on himself and his family.

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora issued a statement on Friday expressing his regrets over Lembo's departure, and urging Lamont to choose his successor carefully:

"From budget adjustments and talk of tax relief to pension payments and state employee union negotiations, there’s little doubt that the governor and legislature will need a strong partner in that office in the coming months."