Former Westport Board Of Ed Chair Withdraws From CT Senate Race

WESTPORT, CT — Nearly a month after announcing his bid for the state 26th Senate District seat set to be vacated by Sen. Will Haskell this year, Westport businessman and former Board of Education Chair Michael Gordon said this week he will not be moving forward with the race.

In a statement released Tuesday, Gordon said he came to the decision after diving into his campaign efforts a few weeks ago.

"I've come to realize that I can't juggle effectively the multiple demands of family, work and this campaign/the State Senate," Gordon said in a statement. "The simple truth is that I thought I could do all of it at a high level, but I've learned that I can't."

Gordon also noted he was excited to campaign this year and serve but decided now was not the best time for him to do the job well.

"I want to thank our wonderful friends for their enormous outpouring of support, kindness and offers of help," Gordon said. "I also want to thank the many kind and wise new friends I've made throughout the 26th District."

When he announced his candidacy in February, Gordon described himself as "a longtime, active Democrat" and an optimist who hoped to make a positive difference for everyone in Connecticut, including children, seniors, small business owners and working parents.

See also: Former Westport Board Of Ed Chair Announces State Senate Campaign

Haskell, a Democrat who was elected to a second term serving the district in 2020, recently announced he will not seek re-election in November. Haskell instead plans to attend law school, which he said will require his full-time attention.

The 26th District represents Westport, Wilton, Redding and Weston, as well as parts of New Canaan, Ridgefield, Darien and Stamford following a state Senate redistricting approved last year, according to the CT Mirror.

Ken Bernhard, a former third selectman and town attorney for the town of Westport, also announced his candidacy for the 26th Senate District in January.

See also: Former Westport Selectman Running For 26th Senate District

Ceci Maher, a former Wilton Board of Finance member, also announced her bid for the seat earlier this year, according to Good Morning Wilton.

"I wish Ceci and Ken the best of luck," Gordon said, "and I look forward to supporting our nominee this fall."