Former Westport Selectman Withdraws From 26th Senate District Race

WESTPORT, CT — Ken Bernhard, a former third selectman and town attorney for the town of Westport, announced Wednesday he is ending his campaign for the 26th District State Senate seat effective immediately.

In a statement sent to Patch, the Westport resident and former state representative said his past affiliation with the Republican party was seen as a potential obstacle for his campaign by the DTC.

According to Good Morning Wilton, Bernhard is a former Republican who changed his affiliation and planned to run as a Democrat.

"It appears that my past affiliation with the Republican party is viewed by many in the DTC as an insurmountable obstacle to securing the Democratic nomination in May," Bernhard said in a statement, "and I do not wish to undermine the strength and unity of our party by engaging in a contentious primary challenge."

Bernhard said he hoped his campaign brought focus and attention to some important issues facing Connecticut and generated productive discussions on how to deal with them.

"As I return to my active law practice and continue to serve the public in my work with non-profit humanitarian organizations," Bernhard said, "I want to express my gratitude to my many friends and supporters on both sides of the aisle for their confidence, encouragement and generous campaign contributions."

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

As a state senator, Haskell has represented parts of Westport, Wilton, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Weston, Redding and Bethel. Recent redistricting will see Bethel drop out of the district, which will pick up areas in Stamford and Darien.

In his statement, Bernhard wished Ceci Maher, a fellow Democrat, the best of luck in her campaign and urged all voters in the 26th District to support her in November.

Berhard's announcement comes on the heels of Republican and former State Sen. Toni Boucher's recent announcement that she will be running for her former 26th District State Senate seat in November.

See also: Back In The Game: Toni Boucher Announces Bid For State Senate Seat

• Former Westport Selectman Running For 26th Senate District

Bernhard served as state representative for the 136th District from 1997 to 2006, during which he served as assistant house minority leader for three years.

He served as Westport's third selectman from 1987 to 1989 and town attorney for parts of the 1980's and 1990's. Bernhard has also served as town attorney for Wilton (1992 –2017) and Weston (2000 – 2010; 2015 –2017).