Jen Tooker Suspends Campaign For Governor

WESTPORT, CT — More than a year before the 2026 election, Jen Tooker, Westport's Republican First Selectwoman, announced that she is suspending her candidacy for governor, but she hopes to remain on the ballot next year.

In a statement released on Friday, Tooker said that she entered the race earlier this year "as a true outsider who feels the call to serve the state I love, knowing that this amazing state is in desperate need of a course correction."

"However, after very serious thought and deliberation, it has become clear to me that the voters need more time to get to know me, and I need more time to get to know them," Tooker said.

Tooker, who also served on Westport's Board of Education and Board of Finance in addition to First Selectwoman, was the first candidate to announce a gubernatorial run, and initially appeared to gain a bit of traction with impressive fundraising totals.

But that early momentum stalled, resulting in Friday's announcement.

"My belief in our state’s potential has only strengthened from this experience," Tooker said. "I still possess the heart and desire to serve the people of Connecticut. As I close down this gubernatorial campaign over the next few weeks, adhering to SEEC guidelines, I will be actively exploring other avenues in which my name can remain on the ballot in November of 2026."

One thing is certain, Tooker will not remain Westport's First Selectwoman after this fall's election. Three candidates are vying for that title, Democrat Kevin Christie, Republican Don O'Day and Independent David Rosenwaks.

As she exits the governor's race for the time being, Tooker says that Connecticut still needs help.

"The state of Connecticut has major issues that voters are rightfully begging our leaders to address," Tooker said. "Whether it is tackling the affordability crisis, reviving our state’s sluggish economy, or making our state government more accountable, my vision has always been about creating a Stronger Connecticut for all who live here. At a time when politics has us feeling more divided than ever, I stepped up with an agenda that everyone in our state, no matter your political affiliation, can feel included in. But with one party having total control over Hartford for much of the past decade, there has been little incentive for leaders to set aside partisanship and work across the aisle in search of practical long-term solutions. I ran for Governor to change that, because significant progress for Connecticut will require a leader who is committed to seeking bipartisan cooperation in pursuit of what is in the best interest of the people of this state.

"While not always at the forefront of our political discourse - yet just as important to the overall prosperity of our state - is the need to greatly enhance our K-12 education system to prepare each and every one of our students for the jobs and industries of tomorrow. Students in Connecticut should feel they have boundless opportunities available to them upon graduation to live, work, and thrive here. We can and must do better to ensure that economic prosperity is abundant regardless of the zip code in which you reside. I remain committed to working on real solutions to achieve this goal."