Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart has filed paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to run for Connecticut governor in 2026.
Stewart’s decision came after she said in January that she would “explore” a run for governor, filing with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to form an exploratory committee.
In her January announcement, she said she refuses “to stay idle while we watch the decline of our great state, the state that we love. And let’s face it, we know that Connecticut is stuck in neutral.”
She also noted a need for support for Connecticut residents who “can’t pay their taxes” or “can’t make ends meet.”
“The residents of Connecticut shouldn’t have to settle. They deserve real results, and I have a proven track record of delivering them,” Stewart said.
According to her Facebook page, Stewart has planned an official announcement at New Britain Stadium on Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
Stewart was elected in 2013 as the youngest mayor in city’s history and became the longest serving female mayor and longest serving Republican mayor, according to New Britain’s website. She is also tied for the longest serving consecutive mayor in the city’s history.
She ran for governor in 2018 before dropping out and deciding on a bid for lieutenant governor, which was unsuccessful in the primary election.
She conducted the swearing-in of her mayoral successor, Bobby Sanchez, a Democrat, last week.