Overview

• The Westport first selectwoman announced Friday she is suspending her gubernatorial campaign and will begin winding down operations in the coming weeks.
• She said she will adhere to State Elections Enforcement Commission guidelines during the wind-down and will explore ways to keep her name on the November 2026 ballot.
• Tooker, who launched her outsider bid in March, framed priorities around affordability, economic growth, government accountability, and strengthening K-12 education.
• Her exit leaves state Sen. Ryan Fazio as the only Republican actively campaigning for governor, with New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart reported as likely to declare after November’s municipal elections.
• The decision came shortly before third-quarter finance reports are due; Tooker previously reported raising $81,252 since March and adding $20,000 of her own funds.