Paul Bass Photo
The old Army recruiting station has a new temporary occupant looking to rally troops for what he calls an historic local campaign.
That occupant is Gerry Garcia (pictured). He’s running a campaign to become the first Latino elected to statewide office.
Garcia’s campaign — for secretary of the state, Connecticut’s top elections official — opened on Orange Street Monday afternoon, drawing a crowd of local politicos rallying around the only New Havener seeking a Constitutional office this year.
Garcia faces state House majority Leader Denise Merrill in an Aug. 10 Democratic primary.
His new office is in the old U.S. Army recruiting digs next to Pitkin Plaza, between Center and Chapel streets. It’s on a hopping block these days. Looming over it is the new 360 State residential tower, which welcomed its first tenants this past weekend. On the same block are two storefronts occupied by Ned Lamont’s campaign for governor. Across Pitkin Plaza is Bru Cafe.
Whatever happens Aug. 10, a lot of coffee will be consumed.
Alderman Joey Rodriguez outside the new Garcia campaign headquarters.