Calling herself a “different kind of Republican” and taking to Facebook Live, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart said Monday she is exploring a run for governor.
Stewart, 30, is the 40th mayor of New Britain, and is in her third term after being first elected at the age of 26 in November 2013.
“Without further ado, here goes nothing,” Stewart told more than 11,500 followers in a Facebook Live announcement. Joking about the “ever-expanding roster” of gubernatorial candidates in the state, Stewart added, “We can’t afford to waste another opportunity to … set the state on a better course.”
The Republican pitched herself as fiscally conservative, pro choice, the owner of a gun permit who supports responsible gun ownership, and a supporter of civil rights “of all individuals.”
“I’m a different kind of Republican,” Stewart said. “I’m not going to be put in box by a party or one person in Washington [D.C.]. The vast majority of people want a leader grounded in common sense and we need a little more of that in Hartford. It’s time to look into the mirror, stop blaming things on everyone else, roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
She also launched her website, www.erinforct.com, and said Connecticut’s problems have to be faced with honesty. She also has a new twitter handle, @ERINSTEWARTCT.
“I’m passionate about the success of Connecticut’s cities,” she said, and intends to “embrace policies that unite us.”
In a press release issued shortly after the Facebook Live event, Stewart touted her work as city mayor. Facing a $30 million budget shortfall in 2013, she rescinded millions of dollars in bonding, reorganized City Hall, added dozens of new businesses to the city’s tax rolls, moved every labor union onto high deductible health savings plans, and reduced spending, she said. The results include a growing Grand List and boost in the city’s bond rating, she added.
