A Top Connecticut Republican, Accused of Fraud, Ends Her Bid for Governor
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Erin Stewart, considered a leading Republican candidate for Connecticut governor, ended her campaign amid allegations of fraudulent spending during her tenure as mayor of New Britain.
- Stewart immediately endorsed her main rival, state senator Ryan Fazio, just two days before the Republican party's nomination event.
- An investigation revealed Stewart used a city credit card for $123,018 in undocumented expenses from 2016 to 2025, including personal items like clothing, gifts, groceries, and social club memberships.
- The report described her spending as a pattern of behavior violating public trust and the standards expected of an elected official managing taxpayer funds.
- Connecticut has not elected a Republican to statewide office in 20 years, making the party's nomination crucial ahead of the November election against Democratic Governor Ned Lamont.