Robert Killian Withdraws From Hartford Mayoral Race, Endorses Luke Bronin

Former probate judge Robert Killian has withdrawn from the Hartford mayoral race and endorsed challenger Luke Bronin.

"I believe my whirlwind campaign for Mayor, which ends today, has had the effect of sharpening the debate and has required others who seek the office to sharpen their recognition of the issues I believe are crucial to our city's future," Killian said in a statement Friday.

Killian has previously criticized the city's decision to build a multimillion-dollar baseball stadium and spending on pension and retirement plans for elected officials.

The recently retired judge threw his support Friday to Democratic challenger Luke Bronin, who served as top legal adviser to Gov. Dannel Malloy and also earned the endorsement of former mayoral candidate John Gale.

"I believe Hartford will fail without new leadership. I don't believe the Mayor holds out any promise for change. I do think I do and I think Luke Bronin does," Killian said in the statement. "I also believe, that despite my insignificant lead over Luke in my recent poll, his anticipated party endorsement coupled with his ability to fund a landmark campaign makes him the odds on favorite to beat the Mayor in a head to head race."

Killian called Bronin "smart, caring and capable of restoring our city's ability to meet its obligations to all our constituents" and urged his supporters to now stand behind Bronin's campaign.

The campaign of incumbent Mayor Pedro Segarra released the following statement in response to Killian's withdrawal from the race:

"Judge Killian’s endorsement of Luke Bronin is not surprising, nor his reason for pulling out of the race. It is evident through Judge Killian’s actions that he is receiving the same numbers and results we are. We know the numbers, and so does he, which is why he pulled out of the race. We welcome the challenge, and have said all along that Mayor Segarra is in this race for the people and not the politics. We are confident that Judge Killian’s decision will not affect our overall electorate, and Mayor Segarra will be victorious in the primary."

Bronin previously received the backing of Democratic State Rep. Angel Arce and hopes to unseat Segarra.

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