Scanlon launches reelection bid as Hartford race heats up

Comptroller Sean Scanlon launched his reelection campaign Tuesday with a message that government can still deliver for Connecticut families, making him the fourth statewide constitutional officer to formally enter the 2026 race.

“We’re not going to get there just by blaming the other side or doing the same thing we’ve always done,” Scanlon said. “It’s time for new ideas. It’s time for big ideas. And I’ll be sharing mine throughout this campaign. And frankly I want to hear yours too.”

Scanlon joins the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of the state in officially opening reelection campaigns. The attorney general and treasurer have yet to announce their plans.

Meanwhile, the congressional primary race gained momentum as former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin secured an endorsement from VoteVets PAC, a political action committee focused on electing progressive veterans to federal and local office. Bronin, a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2010, joins an all-Democratic slate of VoteVets-endorsed candidates.

The endorsement carries potential financial weight. VoteVets spent $50 million supporting candidates during the previous election cycle, though the organization’s investment in a safe Democratic primary remains unclear compared to competitive general election races.

Education dominated discussions at Wednesday’s Connecticut Education Issues Summit, where teachers and administrators detailed how federal policy changes have strained public school systems across the state. Speakers cited unexpected funding cuts forcing program reductions and increased concerns among immigrant and LGBTQ students.

Attendees called for higher teacher pay, improved working conditions, and special education system reforms. Critics argue the current special education framework costs too much while failing students with disabilities.

The legislative session brought personnel changes to key committees. Rep. Irene Haines of East Haddam will serve as ranking Republican member of the Planning and Development Committee, replacing Rep. Joe Zullo of East Haven. Zullo stepped aside due to additional work commitments requiring more time.

Haines, elected in 2019, previously served on Education and Finance committees alongside Planning and Development. The committee handles municipal issues including zoning, town planning, car tax policy, and local regulations. Zullo had held the ranking member position since 2023.

The early political maneuvering reflects Connecticut’s shift into campaign season, with statewide races taking shape and legislative committees organizing for the session ahead. Scanlon’s emphasis on “new ideas” and “big ideas” suggests Democrats will campaign on an activist government message as the 2026 election cycle begins.