Politics & Government

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim to Explore Bid for Governor: Reports

BREAKING: Ganim has his sights set on the state's highest office but his checkered past poses unique challenges to his campaign.

BRIDGEPORT, CT — After resurrecting his political career following a seven-year prison term, Mayor Joseph Ganim is expected to announce Friday that he is forming an exploratory committee to run for the state's highest office, according to multiple reports including News 12 Connecticut. Ganim, who has served two separate terms as the city's mayor, was sentenced to federal corruption charges in 2003 and is the fifth democrat to form an exploratory committee for statewide office.

Aside from gaining trust of voters, Ganim's potential campaign faces many challenges other candidates will not face. State laws prevent Ganim from receiving public funds for his campaign due to his previous felony conviction. Ganim formally asked the State Elections Enforcement Commission earlier this month to clear him for the campaign financing program.

Fox 61 reports that state elections officials have until June 21 to determine if Ganim can participate in the program. Ganim re-won the mayorial seat for the state's largest city in 2015.

Find out what's happening in Bridgeportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Image via the City of Bridgeport

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.