Little-known contender eyes Connecticut governor’s race

Former New York Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey, now living in Greenwich, is thinking about running for governor of Connecticut. If she jumps in, it could shake up the 2026 Republican primary and spark new debates about housing, healthcare, and leadership in Hartford.

With a political career that goes back three decades, McCaughey’s sharp commentary and controversial history already have people talking—both fans and critics—across the state.

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Betsy McCaughey’s Path from New York Politics to Greenwich

McCaughey, now 77, first got national attention in the early 1990s as a fierce critic of Hillary Clinton’s healthcare plan. That spotlight led her to serve as lieutenant governor of New York under Republican Gov. George Pataki from 1995 to 1998.

Her time in Albany really cemented her reputation as a combative, media-savvy political figure. Now, settled in Greenwich, she wants to use that experience in a run for Connecticut governor.

Republicans haven’t held the governor’s office here since John Rowland and Jodi Rell. People are watching her next move closely, not just in Fairfield County, but everywhere from Hartford and New Haven to Waterbury, Bridgeport, and Stamford.

A Political Career Marked by Party Shifts and High-Profile Races

McCaughey’s political path has zigzagged more than most. She started out with the Republicans, but surprised folks in New York by switching parties ahead of her 1998 gubernatorial run.

She joined the Democrats, then ran as a Liberal Party candidate. That campaign ended in defeat and brought some personal upheaval too.

She married billionaire investor Wilbur Ross in 1995, but they divorced soon after her failed 1998 bid. Still, that wild ride helped shape her image as a risk-taker willing to buck party lines.

From Policy Advocate to Media Commentator

After leaving office, McCaughey stayed active in public policy, especially healthcare. She founded Reduce Infection Deaths, a nonprofit focused on hospital hygiene and cutting preventable infections.

Many credit her group with helping to change hospital standards across the country. Lately, she’s become a regular on Newsmax, where she doesn’t hold back on her critiques of Democratic policies at both state and national levels.

Sharp Critic of Connecticut’s Housing Policies and Gov. Ned Lamont

McCaughey’s been vocal about Connecticut’s new housing laws. She sides with residents and local officials who say statewide mandates weaken local control in towns like West Hartford, Norwalk, and Milford.

She’s also a frequent critic of Gov. Ned Lamont, accusing him of being too close to progressive priorities and not doing enough about affordability, crime, and economic competitiveness. Housing density, zoning, and cost of living are already hot topics in places like Danbury, New Britain, and New London.

Those issues will probably be front and center if McCaughey decides to run.

The 2026 GOP Field: Fazio, Stewart, and Possibly McCaughey

If she jumps in, McCaughey will face a tough Republican primary. State Sen. Ryan Fazio, also from Greenwich, and former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart are already in the mix.

Each candidate brings their own style and support base. McCaughey would enter with national name recognition, deep policy chops, and a combative media presence that could raise the stakes fast.

Clearing the Threshold: Delegates and Dollars

To be a real contender, McCaughey needs to meet some nuts-and-bolts requirements in Connecticut. She’ll have to:

Win at least 15% of delegates at the Republican nominating convention to get on the primary ballot.

Participate in the state’s public financing program, which means raising enough small-dollar donations from across multiple towns.

That’s going to take an organization that can build support not just in GOP-friendly spots like Greenwich or Fairfield, but also in places like New Haven, Bristol, Norwalk, and the Quiet Corner towns up north.

A Polarizing but Formidable Potential Candidate

McCaughey’s critics aren’t holding back. Columnist Michelle Cottle has called her “dishonest” and “irresponsible,” echoing old concerns about her rhetoric and approach to policy fights.

Those attacks will likely ramp up if she makes it official, especially as Democrats in places like Hartford and Bridgeport try to paint her as out of touch with Connecticut’s mainstream. But that same confrontational style has won her loyal fans among conservatives who see her as a truth-teller unafraid to challenge the status quo.

For Republican voters tired of losing statewide races, McCaughey’s experience and willingness to fight might be just what they’re looking for.

How McCaughey Could Reshape the Race

If she jumps in, McCaughey could really shake up the GOP primary. Her national profile and media savvy would push Fazio, Stewart, and anyone else in the race to sharpen their own messages.

Fundraising would get more competitive, too. Some strategists even think that if someone manages to outmaneuver her, it could boost their reputation heading into a general election against the Democrats.

Right now, political insiders from Stamford to New Haven are watching as McCaughey tests the waters. Whether she runs or not, her deliberations are stirring up talk about housing, healthcare, and the direction of the state itself.

It feels like the governor’s race is about to get a lot more contentious—and honestly, probably more interesting—than we’ve seen in years.

Here is the source article for this story: Kevin Rennie: You may never have heard of her. She’s considering run for CT governor.

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