Betsy McCaughey Joins Connecticut’s 2026 Governor Race

A new candidate has officially entered the race for the governor of Connecticut in 2026. Former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey, aged 77, announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Ned Lamont in the upcoming election. In a Facebook post made shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, McCaughey emphasized that “Connecticut needs a fighter,” signaling her commitment to a vigorous campaign.

In her announcement video, McCaughey outlined five key priorities for her campaign. These include reversing Connecticut’s recently enacted housing law, halting property tax reassessments, capping property tax increases at 2%, exempting most senior citizens from property taxes, and lowering energy costs by eliminating the public benefits charge and banning offshore wind generation projects.

McCaughey is not new to the political arena. She currently serves as a columnist for the New York Post and is a commentator on the conservative digital platform Newsmax. Throughout her preliminary campaign efforts, she has been vocal in her criticism of Governor Lamont, labeling him an “anti-American radical leftist.” Over the past few weeks, McCaughey has visited various Republican committees across Connecticut, including in towns like Southington, Watertown, Torrington, Norwalk, Mansfield, and Stamford.

McCaughey joins a growing field of Republican candidates vying for the governorship. She is the third Republican to announce her candidacy, following state Senator Ryan Fazio from Greenwich and former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart. Additionally, Timothy Wilcox of Norwich and former three-time gubernatorial candidate Scott Merrill of Norwalk are also in the running. Reports indicate that former state Representative Harry Arora, who ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer in 2022, has formed a committee to explore a run for governor.

On the Democratic side, Governor Lamont is facing a challenge from Josh Elliott, a state representative from Hamden. Lamont, who was first elected in 2018, is seeking a third term. In his announcement, he highlighted the progress Connecticut has made in reducing pension liabilities, implementing middle-class tax cuts, protecting abortion rights, safeguarding immigrant rights, and investing in education and childcare.

As the governor’s race heats up, voters in Connecticut will soon find themselves at the center of a dynamic political contest, with candidates outlining their visions for the state’s future.