CT Attorney General George Jepsen Makes Decision On His Future

Two-term Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced Monday that he will not run for re-election in the fall, a decision that has sparked speculation on who might run to replace him.

Jepsen, a Democrat and Stamford resident, has been among the nation's most vigorous opponents of President Donald Trump's aggressive agenda on immigration, announced earlier this year that he also would not run for governor.

"I am announcing today that I will not seek a third term as Attorney General, a decision I finalized with my family over the last days," said Jepsen in a statement. "It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as Attorney General‎ for the State of Connecticut. While my love for the work of this office is undiminished, I am ready to pursue different challenges. I do so knowing that the men and women of the Office of the Attorney General will continue to serve and protect our state and its residents with distinction. They are superb public servants in the truest sense, and I am proud of the work we have done together. I do not yet know what my future holds, but look forward to advancing the interests of Connecticut for the remainder of my term and in other capacities."

Jepsen was scheduled to hold a press conference in Hartford Monday afternoon to elaborate on his decision. Prior to being elected Attorney General, Jepsen served in both the state House of Representatives and the Senate.

Steve Jewett, who has run Jepsen's past campaigns, believes Jepsen may have plans for his future.

"If you know George, he is a planner, there will be something else coming on his horizon," said Jewett in a statement. "He is leaving big shoes to fill locally and nationally as his leadership brokered the largest legal settlements among Attorneys General nationally, specifically with the mortgage industry and data privacy. Millions of dollars flowed back to states because of his work while also setting new standards for consumer protections.

"His political leadership and friendships to people on both sides of the aisle will be greatly missed."

In a statement, Gov. Dannel Malloy, a longtime friend of Jepsen's, echoed those sentiments, praising the Attorney General for being "a fierce advocate for the people of Connecticut."

"George Jepsen is an incredible attorney, a fierce advocate for the people of Connecticut, a giant in Connecticut politics, and also a dear friend of mine," stated Malloy. "Throughout his career in public service – as a legislator and as Attorney General – George has acted with integrity and always strove to bring about the best outcome for the people of Connecticut. His tenure as Attorney General will be marked by his keen legal reasoning, unwavering commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of state residents, and his readiness to defend our constitutional rights.

"There is no doubt in my mind that George will be remembered as one of the best Attorneys General to have served our great state. It has been an honor to serve as Governor alongside such an outstanding Attorney General and I will be forever grateful for his partnership. I wish him nothing but the very best on his next endeavor."

George Jepsen official portrait