A bright and shining Republican star has announced her intention to run for governor in a blue state. Former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides released a statement indicating that she will be filing paperwork with the state elections enforcement commission in Connecticut.
Iâm looking forward to hearing from voters around the state as I weigh this decision. #CTPolitics pic.twitter.com/lGNVHhZaMG
— Themis Klarides (@RepTKlarides) May 26, 2021
In a statement, Klarides said:
âAs I consider a candidacy for Governor in 2022, today I will be filing paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission to indicate that I will be expending personal resources as part of this consideration. At this point, I will not be accepting contributions or conducting any fundraising as I conduct my due diligence. I believe deeply in the potential of our state, and that the status quo of the Lamont administration has failed our families. I look forward to listening to voters across the state as I carefully consider what is best for our state, our people, and my family.â
While in 2018 there was a crowded Republican field for the governor’s race, Klarides is the first to start the process for the upcoming election. The last GOP nominee Bob Stefanowski has not indicated whether he will be running again.
Though Governor Ned Lamont has received good approval ratings lately, he hasn’t announced his reelection plans.
Speaking about Klarides’ possible run, Lamont stated:Â âI think itâs great. The more people that wanna get in the race the better. Makes for a lively summer.â
Klarides chose not to run for reelection to the General Assembly last year, where she was the House Minority Leader.
She recently participated in several events for Memorial Day, sharing her experiences on Twitter.
“First I joined the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Fire Department at their memorial service this morning, where I joined my good friend Chuck Stankye. We then marched in the Derby-Shelton parade, seeing so many familiar faces,” Klarides tweeted.
“Lastly, I marched in the Oxford parade with First Selectman Temple, Rep. Labriola, First Selectwoman Drugonis, @RepNKD and Mayor Lauretti. I also had the honor of speaking at the dedication of Oxfordâs new cannon memorial,” a subsequent tweet read.
3/3 – Lastly, I marched in the Oxford parade with First Selectman Temple, Rep. Labriola, First Selectwoman Drugonis, @RepNKD and Mayor Lauretti.
I also had the honor of speaking at the dedication of Oxfordâs new cannon memorial. pic.twitter.com/eeaPf883PH
— Themis Klarides (@RepTKlarides) May 31, 2021
Klarides is also an outspoken critic of Governor Lamont, speaking out in a recent interview about his actions surrounding emergency powers:
ICYMI – I joined @VinniePenn last week to discuss Ned Lamontâs shameless power grab and brazen hypocrisy in extending his executive orders AGAIN.
âŹď¸Listen below! âŹď¸#CTPolitics #CTGOP pic.twitter.com/4hNyXZlDOk
— Themis Klarides (@RepTKlarides) May 17, 2021