Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti Prepares To Run For Governor: Report

SHELTON, CT — Though a formal campaign announcement is expected to come in March, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti will seek the Republican nomination to run for governor in 2018, reports the Connecticut Post.

If he gets the nomination, Lauretti could face incumbent Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, if Malloy decides to seek a third term.

One of Lauretti's rivals for the Republican nod, however, is just down the road. Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst has made it clear that he wants the party's nomination, too.

Additionally, Danbury's Republican Mayor Mark Boughton is also preparing a run for governor, according to reports, as is Republican State Sen. Tony Hwang from Fairfield.

Lauretti has served as the Shelton's mayor for more than 25 years, and he sought the party's nomination in 2010 but pulled out of the race following an investigation in corruption in the city. The mayor, who maintained his innocence all along, was never charged.

Patch file photo of Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti