After more than a decade as the face of New Britain’s local government, Mayor Erin Stewart is getting ready to leave City Hall. She might even be eyeing the Governor’s Mansion next.
Stewart first took office in 2013 at just 26, making history as New Britain’s youngest mayor. Over six consecutive terms, she became both the city’s longest-serving female leader and its longest-serving Republican mayor in 154 years.
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Now, instead of running again, she’s launching an exploratory bid for Connecticut’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Political watchers from Hartford to Stamford are paying close attention.
From a Historic First to a Longest-Serving Record
When Erin Stewart became mayor in 2013, she broke barriers in local politics. Her win at such a young age made headlines not just in New Britain, but in other Connecticut cities like Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwalk.
Back then, people saw her as a fresh, energetic leader ready to tackle the city’s fiscal challenges and infrastructure needs. She didn’t waste time jumping in, either.
Political Roots and Family Influence
Stewart’s political background is tough to ignore. Her father, Tim Stewart, served as Republican mayor of New Britain for four consecutive terms from 2003 to 2011.
That family connection gave her a front-row seat to the demands of the job. She also understood the political landscape in cities like Danbury and Bridgeport, where party dynamics can make or break an administration.
Throughout her time in office, she kept a pragmatic approach to bipartisanship but never lost her Republican identity. It’s a tricky balance, but she managed it.
Eyeing the Governor’s Office
Stewart isn’t seeking a seventh term. Instead, she’ll kick off an exploratory campaign in January 2025 for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
This isn’t her first shot at statewide politics. In 2018, she made a late run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination but didn’t make it through the primaries.
She also ran for lieutenant governor that year and came up short again. Even so, Stewart built a reputation for resilience and political tenacity.
She’s managed to appeal to moderates in towns from Greenwich to Southington. That kind of reach isn’t easy for any politician, let alone one from a mid-sized city.
Lessons from Past Campaigns
Her earlier losses haven’t stopped her from thinking big. Political insiders say her experience running New Britain could make a strong story for a statewide campaign.
She’s managed economic development, improved public spaces, and advocated for fiscal responsibility. Those are things she can highlight to voters in both urban and suburban communities.
A Farewell with a Personal Touch
As she gets ready to leave office, Stewart is blending civic duty with a bit of personal flair — a City Hall tag sale. The event runs for five days starting this Friday and will benefit the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund.
From memorabilia to office items, residents have a chance to own a piece of local history while supporting a community cause. It’s not your everyday farewell.
Clearing Out the Office — and Moving Forward
Stewart joked that her husband won’t let her bring all her mementos home. That little comment shows the human side of a leader who’s usually in the spotlight.
The tag sale feels symbolic — clearing out 12 years before stepping into whatever’s next. There’s something refreshing about that.
What Stewart’s Departure Means for New Britain
Her exit marks the end of an era for New Britain. Folks in neighboring communities like Middletown and Meriden are watching to see who might take her place.
The city will need to keep momentum on the projects she started, even as a new administration brings its own ideas. Change is coming, ready or not.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The gubernatorial field is starting to take shape. Erin Stewart’s decision to run could really shake up the Connecticut political conversation over the next couple of years.
Can she turn her New Britain success into statewide support? That’s still anybody’s guess, but if her past tells us anything, she’ll be a force on the campaign trail from Stamford to New Haven.
Right now, you won’t find her out campaigning. She’s still in City Hall, sharing moments from her journey with the folks she’s served since 2013.
Here is the source article for this story: CT mayor hosting ‘moving out’ tag sale after not seeking re-election
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