Lamont Confirms He Is Seeking A 3rd Term As Connecticut Governor

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont has confirmed he and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz will be seeking third terms in November 2026.

Speaking to reporters following a news conference Friday, the candidates said they had just filed their paperwork and were "ready to go."

Their candidacy has long been viewed as highly likely, and the formal announcement was expected last summer. Quizzed about the delay, Bysiewicz said, "We had some really impactful municipal elections, and we're glad they're over with. The people of Connecticut have spoken very loudly, and now we can think about what's next."

Lamont said his campaign would deliver a formal announcement next week.

Connecticut's chief executive is among the most popular governors in the U.S., according to Morning Consult, but that has not necessarily translated into voter enthusiasm for a third term. A University of New Hampshire poll from September indicates 56 percent of Connecticut voters believe Lamont should not run again.

Among those naysayers is State Sen. (R-36) and candidate for Governor Ryan Fazio, who described Lamont's two terms as "more than enough," in a statement released Friday.

"Governor Lamont’s first eight years in office have seen Connecticut’s electricity rates rise to the third highest in the nation, and our economic growth plummet to fourth worst in the country," Fazio said. "Families are struggling to make ends meet, while people and jobs are leaving our state. The results speak for themselves."