Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart announced that she is suspending her campaign shortly after a report alleged she had used a city-issued card for “routine living expenses” during her time in office.
Connecticut has remained under Democrat leadership since 2011 when Dannel Malloy took office, making an uphill battle for any Republican seeking to turn the political tide in the state.
However, Stewart ultimately decided to suspend her campaign after her successor Bobby Sanchez referred the results of an investigation into Stewart’s spending to state and federal prosecutors.
“I take the allegations that have been made against me very seriously, and for that reason, I am suspending my gubernatorial campaign effective immediately so that I can focus on addressing those claims,” Stewart wrote in a statement issued to the media.
“Yesterday I requested copies of of the relevant documents and I will be reviewing them carefully,” Stewart wrote. “I will take accountability for any mistakes, and I intend to make full and complete restitution to the City of New Britain — my home — for anything that I owe. It is extraordinarily difficult to make this decision because we have run an amazing campaign so far.”
The matter appears to have stemmed from trouble arising from irregularities during former tax collector Cheryl Blogoslawski’s tenure, during which she may have improperly handled tax payments and other actions, of which some have accused Stewart having knowledge or involvement. Sanchez ordered a wider investigation into Stewart’s administration as a result.
Stewart also attracted some unwanted attention for allegedly promising Blogoslawski a pension despite failing to meet the 20-year service condition per the city charter, and Stewart’s push to receive a pension despite failing to also meet that requirement with 12 years as mayor and two more years on a school board.
Newsweek reached out to Stewart’s campaign by email on Thursday afternoon for further comment.
Stewart on ‘Witch Hunt’ that Derailed Her Campaign
A University of New Hampshire (UNH) poll in February found Stewart had the second-highest favorability among Republican primary candidates – just behind Ryan Fazio – while having the highest unfavourability among the candidates at 22 percent. Stewart had skipped a debate earlier this month that would have seen her face off with her party rivals.
Stewart has previously criticized Sanchez and his administration for their investigations, which have already led to the firing of New Britain’s tax collector. Stewart characterized the investigation as a politically motivated “witch hunt” that aimed to derail her campaign.
Stewart earlier this month posted a vide on social media accusing the “corrupt Democrat machine” of turning Sanchez into a “puppet” to go after her because she was a “threat.” She also listed allegations against the law firm leading the investigation, accusing it of acting as a front for Democratic interests.
“It’s a set up, guys,” she said, calling it a “disgusting” attempt to “coerce” city employments into speaking out against her.
Local outlet News 8 WTNH obtained copies of the expense reports Stewart filed during her decade-long tenure, which indicated that she had used her card for buying clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and “numerous instances in which reports for large purchases were unaccompanied by receipts.
Where the Connecticut Governor’s Race Stands
The 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial race is centered on incumbent Democrat Ned Lamont, who is seeking a third term and currently leads the Democratic field.
Lamont faces a primary challenge from state representative Josh Elliott, who is backed by the party’s progressive wing. Polling in early 2026 shows Lamont maintaining a clear advantage among likely Democratic primary voters, though his support has softened somewhat and reflects broader voter concerns about taxes, housing costs, and affordability, according the UNH’s Survey Center.
On the Republican side, the field remains in flux. Overall, the race is still rated as safely Democratic heading into November 2026, but underlying economic issues and intra-party tensions — particularly among Democrats — are likely to shape the competitiveness and messaging of the campaign.
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