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State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. is not running for governor after all.
The Branford Democrat (pictured above) issued the following statement on Monday:
“I will not be a candidate for statewide office in 2018. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contacted me and encouraged me to run. I value the contribution I am able to make as the state Senator for the 12th District. I believe that if we put aside our partisan politics and find common ground, we can overcome our challenges and move Connecticut forward. I remain committed to making our state a better place to live, do business and raise a family. “
Kennedy, the son of the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, had visited various parts of the state in recent months as he sought to gauge a gubernatorial candidacy. He thanked many of his supporters yesterday. In the past he has said that running for public office is a decision arrived at with his family. The reality Kennedy faced in running for governor in a post Governor Dannel P. Malloy world was a state facing an economic deficit of about $5 billion along with the loss of major companies like General Electric and Aetna.
Kennedy, 55, lives in Branford with his wife, Kiki and their children. A health care attorney, he is now serving his second term as state senator for the 12th district and presumably will run for a third term. Governor Malloy announced in April that he would not seek for re-election.
Kennedy launched his political career in April 2014 in Branford when he sought, successfully, a state senate seat, which he continues to hold. Speculation was rife that he would seek the governor’s office in 2018 amid a crowded field; Monday’s announcement ends that speculation.
Among the Democrats actively seeking the 2018 nomination are State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, and former federal prosecutor Chris Mattei. Jacey Wyatt of Branford has also formed an exploratory committee. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman has not publicly announced her plans yet.
Republicans expressing an interest include Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. Other Republicans seeking the governorship include Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and state Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, R‑Glastonbury.
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