Westport will have a new 1st selectperson next fall.
And — current 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker hopes — in 2026, when Connecticut votes next for governor, she’ll head to Hartford.
This afternoon Tooker — a Republican in her first term as 1st selectwoman, after serving on Westport’s Boards of Education and Finance — officially announced her candidacy for the state’s highest office.
Governor Ned Lamont has not yet announced his intentions for a third term. If he does not run the field may include several high-profile Democrats, including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Matt Ritter, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Attorney General William Tong.
On the Republican side, Erin Stewart, the Republican mayor of New Britain serving her 6th and final term, is exploring a gubernatorial race.
Four of Connecticut’s 5 most recent governors have been from Fairfield County. The last previous Westport resident to run for governor was Republican Julie Belaga, more than 3 decades ago.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker
In a statement announcing her candidacy this afternoon, Tooker’s campaign called her “a champion for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and government accountability…. With a proven record of leadership in both the
public and private sectors, Tooker is running to bring bold, results-driven solutions to the state.”
“For too long, Connecticut families and businesses have been burdened by high taxes, rising costs, and a state government that lacks accountability,” she said.
“I’m running for governor to restore fiscal discipline, create an economy where businesses and workers thrive, and make Connecticut a place where families can afford to stay, work, and retire.”
Tooker called it “an incredible honor to be the leader of this amazing community. I have served in multiple elected roles for almost 14 years. We have achieved so much together for the town we all call home. I am ready to bring my experience and commitment to Hartford to ensure a stronger future for our entire state.”
Last month, Tooker delivered the State of the Town address at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tooker will campaign on a plan to rein in state employee costs, which have grown 33% in 5 years; lower energy costs, in part by removing public benefits charges from electric bills; and lower taxes and expand aging-in-place programs to ensure that seniors can remain in their communities.
She also pledges to launch a statewide innovation initiative to position Connecticut as a leader in AI, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. This will, she said, “create high-paying jobs, and drive economic revitalization in cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport.”
A press release called Tooker “a genuine lover of Connecticut and experienced public servant (who) has successfully led efforts to enhance economic development, improve public safety, and strengthen local schools.”
A University of Notre Dame graduate with a degree in economics and international studies, Tooker spent her private sector career in the reinsurance industry.
Working and living abroad for more than a decade “broadened her perspective and reaffirmed her belief that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Americans are unmatched anywhere in the world,” her biography on Westport’s town website says.
Tooker’s volunteer efforts in Westport have included the Westport Weston Family YMCA board of trustees, Westport Sunrise Rotary Club, Sunrise Rotary 21st Century Foundation board, the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Committee, and coaching in the Westport Soccer Association.
She and her husband Mo have 3 children.
