Paul Bass Photo
State Treasurer Denise Nappier.
Another top elected office is opening up in state government, as State Treasurer Denise Nappier has reportedly decided not to seek a sixth four-year term.
Nappier is expected to announce her decision on Wednesday, according to someone familiar with her plans.
Nappier was first elected to the job in 1998, becoming the nation’s first African-American female state treasurer. She has easily won reelection since as the state’s chief financial officer, who oversees the management of $63 billion in state funds. She served five terms as treasurer of the National Association of State Treasurers and advocated nationally for corporate governance reforms. In 2017 she announced significant gains in the state’s retirement plans and trust funds despite market instability.
Nappier’s expected announcement follows a similar decision by another popular Democratic constitutional officer, Attorney General George Jepsen, not to seek reelection in 2018.
Nappier’s decision will also increase pressure on Democrats to include one or more candidates of color on the 2018 ticket in what promises to be a tough election year for the party.