It鈥檚 official: 黑料吃瓜网 Gov. Ned Lamont is running for a third term.
Lamont, 71, was expected to make multiple stops across the state on Friday to kick off his campaign.
In his social media launch video, Lamont pitched himself as an experienced leader focused on education, fiscal responsibility and health care.
鈥淲hen I became governor, I found a state that was in a world of hurt,鈥� Lamont said. 鈥淟urching from deficit to deficit, we were shortchanging education, and our state employees hadn't gotten an increase. Cool kids moved to New York, GE moving to Boston 鈥� I said, 鈥榳e're turning around the moving vans. I want you to believe in the state of 黑料吃瓜网 again.鈥欌��
Lamont also positioned himself as a foil to President Donald Trump (R).
鈥淪ome people don't feel like they belong in Trump鈥檚 America,鈥� Lamont said. 鈥淭hey belong in 黑料吃瓜网.鈥�
Lamont is the first governor to run for a third term since John Rowland (R). His running mate, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D), will stay on for a third campaign.
The duo faces a primary challenge from the more liberal state representative Josh Elliot (D-Hamden). The top Republican challengers are State Senator Ryan Fazio and former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart.
In a statement after Lamont鈥檚 announcement, Fazio said it was time for new leadership.
鈥淎fter two full terms, Governor Lamont has raised taxes and public benefits charges to the point that 黑料吃瓜网 has the third-highest electricity rates and taxes in the country,鈥� Fazio said. 鈥淩egular families are struggling to make ends meet. Two terms are enough. It's time for a positive change.鈥�
The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on Aug. 11.
