From advertisements to endorsements and now a debate, the race for Hartford mayor is heating up.
The first ad of incumbent Mayor Pedro Segarra’s re-election campaign hit the airwaves Tuesday. It emphasizes the fact that Segarra has made education his top priority.
On the same day Segarra's ad was released, Hartford City Council President Shawn Wooden threw his support to challenger Luke Bronin, who received the Democratic Town Committee endorsement and previously served as a legal adviser to Gov. Dannel Malloy.
"We need someone who can lead the city, move it forward and take the steps we all believe are necessary to get Hartford working again," Wooden said Tuesday.
Segarra addressed Wooden's support for Bronin in the following statement:
"The great thing about American politics is that we get to choose who we support. But no election is ever decided by endorsements. The outcome of this primary will be decided only by Hartford's hard-working Democrats. The victor will be the one who, over the next 35 days, can show their commitment to progressive leadership in our Capital city. It will be the one who will show a vision for improving our neighborhoods and schools and making our streets safer."
Hartford City Councilmember Joel Cruz is also running for mayor.
"I’m stepping out and I'm saying I will give better leadership that the city of Hartford really needs when it comes to really connecting with the people of Hartford," said Cruz.
The candidates will discuss Hartford’s arts, culture, history and tourism at a debate at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The debate will take place at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 155 Wyllys Street in Hartford.
