In the Loop- December 20, 2024
Where did the time go?
Wasn’t it yesterday that we were all focused on the election and Thanksgiving and now we’re making those New Year’s resolutions and digging out the 2025 calendars – boy did the time fly by.
For next year, I think the big thing for Connecticut is to get the two questions answered that everyone in politics is asking – WILL THEY OR WON’T THEY? Some may be wondering who is THEY.
New Britain Mayor, Erin Stewart and Governor Ned Lamont, of course! As the next Connecticut gubernatorial election comes into focus for real there are probably six to nine months before everyone will know that answer. As of December 2024, Governor Ned Lamont has not officially announced whether he will seek a third term in the 2026 gubernatorial election. He has indicated that he plans to make a decision sometime in 2025 so that he can focus on the challenging fiscal issues facing Connecicut in the coming Legislative session. Pundits seem to think he will make that final run in 2026.
Erin Stewart, a Republican, has expressed interest in running for governor in 2026. In September 2024, she announced she would not seek re-election as mayor, stating that stepping aside would allow her to consider a gubernatorial bid more seriously. Stewart plans to make a definitive decision by early 2025.
Governor Lamont has a great deal of respect for Mayor Stewart. He appointed her to the prestigious Board of Regents for the Connecticut State College and University system – though this week they are under fire for some bad judgment from the system president. Lamont praised Stewart’s service as mayor and welcomed her potential candidacy, stating, “I love Erin. I’ve known her for quite a while. I wish her all the best, and they’ll miss her in New Britain. We’ll see what she wants to do next.”
In Connecticut’s history, several governors have pursued third terms with varying outcomes: John Dempsey (Democrat) served as governor from 1961 to 1971. He was re-elected twice after completing the unexpired term of Governor Abraham Ribicoff, effectively serving three full terms.
There are several governors who ran for a third term and lost. Former Governor, Abraham Ribicoff (Democrat), didn’t lose a gubernatorial race but left the governor’s office to serve as a U.S. senator, so his potential third term was never pursued. Then there’s the all-time favorite – Former Governor, Ella Grasso (Democrat). As the very first woman elected governor in her own right, she resigned during her second term due to illness and the question of a third term never arose.
No governor in recent history has won a third term. Connecticut’s political climate often changes, making three-term governorships rare. This could be due to political fatigue, shifting voter priorities, or the challenges of sustaining widespread appeal.
Governor Ned Lamont, should he decide to run in 2026, would have a unique opportunity to potentially break the pattern in modern Connecticut politics.
Can’t wait to see what the next year Connecticut holds. So maybe Connecticut will see two three-time winners – Governor Lamont and UConn Men’s Basketball? That would be interesting for sure!