Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman said she will not run for governor in 2018.
Gov. Dannel Malloy, who has been governor since 2011, previously announced that he would not seek re-election.
Popular within the Democratic Party, Wyman was considered a top contender for the party's nomination.
In a written statement, the 71-year-old former state comptroller and legislator cited a desire to spend more time with her family.
National Republicans have tried to tie her to Malloy, who has low public approval ratings. The Republican Governors Association recently called her Malloy's "chief enabler," predicting she'd be "forced to campaign" on his nearly eight-year record, marked by budget crises.
"They don't know what they are talking about," Wyman said during a news conference Thursday. "It has nothing to do with Dan Malloy. My decision was my decision because of family."
"I made this decision after careful consideration and discussion with my family and friends, and after my granddaughter, a freshman at college, asked a simple question, ‘will you come over for dinner, Grandma?,’" Wyman said in a statement. “It took four weeks to schedule that dinner. This is not how I want to be a grandparent. I believe that family should come first."
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She said did not conduct polling and people she has been speaking to said they wanted her to run.
Malloy said Wyman “is an extraordinary public servant, an insightful leader, and also a dear friend.”
“Words are inadequate to express my gratitude, humility, and appreciation for Nancy’s partnership. I have often said that she is the best Lieutenant Governor one could have, and she proves me right time and time again. Her potential is limitless – and knowing Nancy, she will continue serving and giving voice to others, no matter what she chooses to do next. On behalf of myself, my staff, and my family, we thank her for all she has done and continues to do,” Malloy said in a statement.
Sen. Cathy Osten (D) also weighed in.
"I think that Nancy Wyman is an excellent Lieutenant Governor an excellent legislator, and I think she would have made an excellent Governor, and I think this is a personal decision that people make on their own. And I think that I’ll honor her decision by saying I wish her all the best because I think that she’s somebody that I admire and always will admire because of the hard work that she has done for the state of Connecticut."
Wyman began her political career 40 years ago on the Tolland school board.
"I got in this business because of my kids and I'm getting out of it for the same reason. Now, my grandchildren," Wyman said.
She released the following statement Thursday.
“I thank the people of Connecticut for having given me the great honor and privilege of serving as their Lieutenant Governor.
“Four decades ago, I ran for a seat on the Tolland Board of Education to be a voice for my children. Many years later, I’ve been humbled and proud to serve with men and women on both sides of the aisle who were strong and honorable leaders, who did their duty in the best interests of their constituents and the state as a whole, and who helped make Connecticut a better place.
“I want to thank everyone who has come forward with offers to help on a campaign—Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters from across the state. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and humbling. I made this decision after careful consideration and discussion with my family and friends, and after my granddaughter, a freshman at college, asked a simple question, ‘will you come over for dinner, Grandma?’
“It took four weeks to schedule that dinner. This is not how I want to be a grandparent. I believe that family should come first.
“While I will not seek election to the Governor’s office in 2018, I am proud of our accomplishments on so many issues: healthcare, education, veterans’ services, and human rights to name a few. I look forward to supporting the next generation as they find their voices—just as I did when I ran for the Board of Education. We have a lot to look forward to. People are organizing and standing up for what they believe in—justice, healthcare, human rights—in ways we haven’t seen in decades. More women are running for office, and we see more diversity in our elected officials. These are positive indicators of an informed and active electorate.
“I am deeply appreciative to Governor Malloy for asking me to run as his Lieutenant Governor. I believe that people will come to understand the truly extraordinary work he and this administration have done, underpinned by a profound commitment to the people who elected us.
“They are among the many people in this state who, every single day, commit to making this a better place for everyone. I have been honored to work with them, and I will continue to support their efforts.”
