Republican businessman Bob Stefanowski, who ran and lost to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in 2018, announced that he is taking a second shot at the office with an initial investment of $10 million straight into his campaign.
“Connecticut has some of the most honest, hard-working people in the country. But we are being short-changed by leaders prioritizing politics over people,” he announced. “Over the past three years, our state has become less affordable and more dangerous for the good people who live, work, and go to school here.”
Stefanowski specifically cited Connecticut’s taxes, utility, and childcare costs while noting that “runaway inflation is making it even worse.”
“I’m running because I fundamentally believe that by working together, we can change Connecticut,” Stefanowski stated. “I’m running for Governor to make government work for the people of Connecticut, not political insiders.
“It’s time for new leaders who will focus on delivering results to the people of Connecticut rather than personal political agendas.”
Connecticut Democratic Chair Party Chair Nancy DiNardo released a statement following Stefanowski’s announcement, calling him “too extreme for Connecticut” and saying his economic plan “would have devastated schools, rolled back health care, and laid off health care workers.”
“While Bob Stefanowski promotes an extreme agenda, Governor Lamont has fixed the state budget, built up a record rainy day fund, enacted paid family leave, supported small businesses, and attracted major companies to our state – all without tax increases,” she said.
“He’s overseeing the most successful vaccine roll-out in the nation with strong, steady leadership at a time when Connecticut needs it most,” she continued. "And he’s done it by bringing people from both parties together, working in a bipartisan fashion. The contrast is incredibly clear.”
Republican Susan Patricelli Regan is also running for governor and former Republican Leader Themis Klarides has filed paperwork to explore a run for governor. Lamont filed paperwork in the fall to run for re-election.
The primary is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9.
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