Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman has announced she will not run for governor of Connecticut next year.
Her decision leaves the field open for other Democrats who may want to throw their hat in the ring for the open seat. Governor Dannel Malloy announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election to a third term.
Speaking to reporters, Wyman said she spent a long time weighing her options. In the end, she said it came down to family.
"This last weekend I realized that my granddaughter, who went off to college, asked in October if I would come up and have dinner with her," Wyman said, "It's taken me four weeks to do it because of my schedule."
"I got into this business because of my kids, and I'm getting out of it for the same reason, and my grandchildren," said Wyman.
Wyman said she will now focus on supporting the next generation as they run for office.
Malloy also issued a statement, calling Wyman "an extraordinary public servant, an insightful leader, and also a dear friend." Malloy said he expects her to continue in public service, giving a voice to others, and thanked her for her support.
Middletown Mayor Dan Drew has declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. Other Democrats exploring a run include Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, former federal prosecutor Chris Mattei, former Wall Street executive Dita Bhargava, former state Senator Jonathan Harris, and former veterans' affairs commissioner Sean Connolly.
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