Garrett Ends Re-Election Campaign For Hamden Mayor

HAMDEN, CT — Mayor Lauren Garrett announced Tuesday that she is ending her campaign for re-election to a third term as mayor of Hamden.

Read Garrett’s full statement below:

In 2019, I brought together a team of people focused on greater fiscal education and voter engagement. Alongside my team I focused on political organizing around important issues and won in 2021. Together, working with the Legislative Council, I have accomplished so much over these last four years.

Together, we have seen the fund balance grow to $28 million, something that seemed impossible six years ago. We have seen our bond ratings increase, we have secured over $50 million in grants and updated the fiscal policies and procedures manual for the first time in 30 years.

Because of this, our local economy is growing steadily. We have welcomed hundreds of new businesses to Hamden and invested grant funds in these new and existing businesses to help them succeed. We have also helped small business owners succeed by allowing town hall to be their partner in improving the permitting process through the Planning & Zoning and Building Departments to keep projects moving along and securing grants that capitalize on economic development opportunities around affordable housing and transportation.

We have done all of this while prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion. That's right, “DEI” is transforming town hall to be a place that represents everyone through increased cultural programs to represent the diversity of the Town of Hamden and a diverse workforce especially in leadership positions across our police force and fire department.

We did all of this while taking care of the issues residents really care about, and tell you all the time: fixing our roads, sidewalks and local infrastructure. We worked with the Engineering and Public Works & Parks Departments to pave roads, replace sidewalks, invest in green infrastructure, and replace equipment and town vehicles.

Beyond our accomplishments, I am forever grateful to the voters of Hamden for trusting a mom of three kids going through Hamden Public Schools to be their Mayor and steer our Town in the direction towards true fiscal health and stability.

I have been running for Mayor for six years so I know people have heard me say this: When you kick the can down the road and you do not pay for what it costs to run the Town, you pay more later. My hope is that whoever is elected to be Mayor these next four years builds on the progress we have made.

I have worked very hard for the Town of Hamden and made many difficult decisions. Today I am making another difficult decision, to spend more time with my family and prioritize my wellbeing. Therefore, I have decided to end my campaign for Mayor. I want to thank my family, friends, supporters, and every resident who believed in what we were building together. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your Mayor. The road ahead will be difficult but I sincerely wish whoever is the next Mayor of Hamden much success for the benefit of us all.