The Legend Of Gunboat Johnson: The Singing 'Candidate'

VERNON, CT — The mystery of the Connecticut gubernatorial "candidate" Gunboat Johnson has been solved.

And it seems more fitting for April 1 than Oct. 1.

Gunboat Johnson is to the 2026 election season what Sidd Finch was to the 1985 baseball season — a conjured up hero who is over-the-top creative and one who causes a frenzy shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

At first glance, one may think of Gunboat Johnson as a grizzled Civil War commander standing on the bow of an ironclad vessel, waving a pistol while chewing on an hours-old cigar during a Mississippi River naval battle unfazed by bullets flying over his head. Not so fast, says a member of a regional band called "Gunboat Johnson" named "Griz" over the band's social media outlets.

"Hi this is Griz, I just wanna thank everyone for looking us up after seeing my fake election signs," Griz said a Facebook post. "Even though I think this band would be better at running the state than actual politicians."

Signs became noticeable, especially in Vernon, last week. They were carefully designed to seem politically neutral color-wise, and carried the message "Gunboat Johnson for Governor."

The signs were mostly on public rights of way near sidewalks and on traffic Islands.

The signs thus begged the question? Just who is Gunboat Johnson? He is not listed on sample ballots, but is he a write-in candidate?

The signs did not have the required "paid for by ..." information on them.

Hmmm.

Then, the band fessed up.

"We haven’t done much marketing and are trying to come up with ideas to get our music out, because we don’t play live," Griz said. "I made 50 of these signs. The only thing funnier would be if we won."

Oh ... it's out.

Fans of the band responded by saying they would vote for old Gunboat.

"Just saw your sign in Vernon. My husband said, "Gunboat Johnson? Whoever that is he gets my vote," one post said.

Said another, "Saw this (Saturday). I’d love another choice over Ned and Fazio."

The band's billing says, "Gunboat Johnson offers you alternative mellow rock and acoustic tunes for your auditory consumption. Pairs well with a moderately priced red wine blend, any THC product or a fine New England IPA brew."

See the group's Facebook page and some sample music links here.