2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election

The 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Connecticut. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont is eligible for re-election to a third term in office.

Democratic convention

Governor

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

Luke Bronin, former mayor of Hartford (2016–2024) (will not run if Lamont runs)^[1]
Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut (2019–present) and former Connecticut Secretary of State (1999–2011) (will not run if Lamont runs)^[2]
Ned Lamont, incumbent governor^[2]

Potential

Matt Ritter, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 1st district (2011–present)^[3]
Sean Scanlon, Connecticut State Comptroller (2023–present) (will not run if Lamont runs)^[2]
William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General (2019–present) (will not run if Lamont runs)^[2]

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Potential

Susan Bysiewicz, incumbent Lieutenant Governor

Republican convention

Governor

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

Heather Somers, state senator (2017–present)^[4]
Bob Stefanowski, financial executive and nominee for governor in 2018 and 2022^[5]
Erin Stewart, mayor of New Britain (2013–present) and candidate for governor in 2018^[6]

References

^ Smith, John (December 8, 2023). "Outgoing Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin says he's still interested in running for CT governor". Connecticut Public. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Pazniokas, Mark (November 22, 2023). "Lamont open to 3rd term as CT governor, but others are lining up". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
^ Storace, Robert (December 20, 2023). "CT Democratic Chair Applauds Lamont, Eyes Strong Bench for 2026 Governor's Race". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
^ Storace, Robert (December 12, 2023). "GOP Chair Predicts Broad Candidate Pool for 2026 Governor's Race". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
^ Storace, Robert (December 5, 2023). "Stefanowski Noncommittal on 2026 Governor Run, Critiques Lamont's Leadership". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
^ Storace, Robert (November 21, 2023). "Fresh Off Election Win, Stewart Hints at Run for Governor". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

[1] Smith, John (December 8, 2023). "Outgoing Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin says he's still interested in running for CT governor". Connecticut Public. Retrieved September 21, 2024.

[Others-2] Pazniokas, Mark (November 22, 2023). "Lamont open to 3rd term as CT governor, but others are lining up". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved December 3, 2023.

[3] Storace, Robert (December 20, 2023). "CT Democratic Chair Applauds Lamont, Eyes Strong Bench for 2026 Governor's Race". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

[4] Storace, Robert (December 12, 2023). "GOP Chair Predicts Broad Candidate Pool for 2026 Governor's Race". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

[5] Storace, Robert (December 5, 2023). "Stefanowski Noncommittal on 2026 Governor Run, Critiques Lamont's Leadership". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

[6] Storace, Robert (November 21, 2023). "Fresh Off Election Win, Stewart Hints at Run for Governor". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

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