Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim Forms Exploratory Committee for Run for Governor

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim feels very confident in his political future following his rebirth in the state’s largest city.

Ganim, who won his old job as mayor in 2015 after a more than ten year absence, filed paperwork Friday forming an exploratory committee for governor.

"Having been chief executive of Connecticut's largest city so I think those skills can aide me greatly in this endeavor,” Ganim, a Democrat, said during an interview Friday.

Ganim points to recent successes, like closing a $20 million city budget shortfall, and the more than $1 billion in private investment in the city.

If Ganim were to escape from what’s expected to be a crowded Democratic primary field, and win the governor’s race, he would hold the seat for Democrats, and be the second straight big-city mayor to hold the office. Gov. Dannel Malloy was Mayor of Stamford before his pair of statewide wins.

However, Ganim’s past won’t escape him as he tries to raise his profile, and reintroduce himself to voters.

He was removed from office, and disbarred after he was convicted on 16 counts related to public corruption.

He spent seven years in federal prison and was released in 2010.

He says that experience is something that would help him in running a struggling state like Connecticut.

"Having taken a major fall and understanding the challenges of people that are down and out and making some terrible mistakes and recognizing that and humbly coming back and saying I still think I have something to offer in the world of public service."

The biggest obstacle facing his campaign in many ways is outside of his control. Ganim, like every other candidate that’s either announced a run or formed an exploratory committee for governor, is pursing public financing through the state’s Clean Elections Program.

State law prohibits people with a criminal past like Ganim’s rom being awarded what could be more than a million dollars in taxpayer funds to finance his campaign. He’s appealing that ruling and says the rules should be the same for everyone.

"I think the fairness to the voters would be to allow everyone in and to allow us all to participate. If you're going to publicly finance campaigns youu should do it for everyone or not."

Contact Us