Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra said Tuesday that he will not continue to campaign for reelection, after losing a Democratic primary vote to Luke Bronin last week.
Segarra and Bronin both spoke at a late morning press conference next to City Hall, where Segarra endorsed the fellow Democrat and attorney, who was recently Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s general counsel.
“The voters have spoken, and although the result was not the one I was hoping for and the one I worked so hard for, for the good of the city and to bring unity to the city I am announcing that I am ending my campaign,” Segarra said. “I ask we all come together and support my colleague Luke Bronin for mayor.”
Malloy, who publicly stayed out of the primary battle, endorsed Bronin late last week, after his win.
Segarra, who had initially pledged to fight on if he lost the primary, said Tuesday that he wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the next mayor and wished to use his remaining months in office to work on ongoing projects. He said his decision “comes from a point of respect and love for the city.”
“We do have some incredible challenges and I don’t want to do anything that compromises that,” Segarra said.
Speaking Tuesday, Bronin professed respect for his former opponent.
“We just went through a long, hard campaign, but I have enormous respect for Mayor Segarra,” Bronin said. “I am deeply appreciative of his support today and the spirit of unity he just spoke to.”
Bronin beat Segarra in the primary by a margin of 54-46. Bronin, who outfundraised the incumbent, had also won the endorsement of city Democrats.
