Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today that he will not seek a third term as Connecticut's governor. He delivered the following speech during a news conference in the Old Appropriations Room of the State Capitol in Hartford:
I began my first run for Governor on February 3, 2004, more than 13 years ago. And now, a little past the midway point in my second term, I’ve obviously had to consider what the future might look like for myself and my family, for the Democratic Party, and for our great state.
I’ve thought a great deal about the areas my administration has tried to prioritize these past six years. Throughout our work, we’ve tried to play the long-game for Connecticut, not doing what is politically expedient, but rather what we believe is in the best interests of the people we serve today, and for generations still to come.
I’ve thought about how our state has added more than 74,000 private sector jobs since 2010, and unemployment is now at 4.7 percent – its lowest level since 2007.
I’ve thought about how we worked across party lines in 2012 to pass comprehensive education reforms, and today our students are some of the best readers in the country, and our graduation rates are now at their highest point in Connecticut’s history.
I’ve thought about the commonsense and compassionate changes we’ve made to our criminal justice system – changes that are helping us experience our lowest crime rates in generations.
And I’ve thought about similar progress in so many other areas – energy, affordable housing, transportation, and so much more.
In all these areas, I am tremendously proud of the undeniable progress we’ve made, but I also know how much is still yet to be done. I know that Connecticut must continue to change and grow and strive for a more perfect tomorrow – that we must continue to focus on the long-game.
Inherent in the nature of our Democracy is that no governor, no mayor, or no president for that matter ever sees their vision fully realized. America, each of its states, and each of its amazing cities and towns, are forever works-in-progress. Elected leaders at every level are stewards – entrusted to use the time they have to improve the lives of their constituents as best they can. That’s what I have tried to do every day I’ve held this office, including this one.
In fact, it’s been said by some that if I were interested in a third term, I might’ve put forward a different looking budget. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I take it as a compliment. My proposed budget was built with Connecticut’s best interest in mind, regardless of political consequence for me, or anyone else. And I intend to make the core principles of that budget a reality in the coming months.
For that reason, I am today announcing that I will not seek a third term as Governor.
Instead, I will focus all my attention and energy – I will use all of my political capital from now through the end of 2018 – to continue implementing my administration’s vision for a more sustainable and vibrant Connecticut economy.