2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election

←  2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Party Democratic Republican

Incumbent Governor Ned Lamont Democratic

The 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Connecticut. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont is eligible for re-election to a third term in office. As of January 2025, Lamont has publicly expressed interest in running but has not declared a re-election bid.

Democratic convention

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Luke Bronin, former mayor of Hartford (2016–2024) (will not run if Lamont runs) ^[1]
• Susan Bysiewicz, incumbent lieutenant governor (2019–present) and former Connecticut Secretary of State (1999–2011) (will not run if Lamont runs) ^[2]
• Ned Lamont, incumbent governor (2019–present) ^[2]

Potential

• Matt Ritter, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 1st district (2011–present) ^[3]
• Sean Scanlon, Connecticut State Comptroller (2023–present) (will not run if Lamont runs) ^[2]
• William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General (2019–present) (will not run if Lamont runs) ^[2]

Lieutenant governor

Potential

• Susan Bysiewicz, incumbent lieutenant governor

Republican convention

Candidates

Formed exploratory committee

• Erin Stewart, mayor of New Britain (2013–present) and candidate for governor in 2018 (decision expected in fall 2025) ^[4]

Publicly expressed interest

• Matthew Corey, bar owner and nominee for U.S. senate in 2018 and 2024 ^[5]
• Peter Lumaj, attorney and perennial candidate ^[5]
• Heather Somers, state senator (2017–present) and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014 ^[5]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report [6]	Solid D	January 23, 2025
Inside Elections [7]	Solid D	February 6, 2025

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

References

1. Smith, John (December 8, 2023). "Outgoing Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin says he's still interested in running for CT governor". Connecticut Public Radio . Retrieved September 21, 2024.
2. Pazniokas, Mark (November 22, 2023). "Lamont open to 3rd term as CT governor, but others are lining up". The Connecticut Mirror . Retrieved December 3, 2023.
3. Storace, Robert (December 20, 2023). "CT Democratic Chair Applauds Lamont, Eyes Strong Bench for 2026 Governor's Race". CT Examiner. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
4. Nir, Daivd; Singer, Jeff (January 31, 2025). "Morning Digest: Why you can't run for a new office and then president two years later". The Downballot. Retrieved January 31, 2025. New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart now says she'll decide whether to run for governor 'sometime in the fall'
5. Brink, Jenn (January 23, 2025). "New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart files paperwork for potential run for Connecticut governor". WTNH . Retrieved January 27, 2025.
6. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
7. "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.