EXPLORING FOR GOVERNOR
A New Generation of Leadership
"I'm officially exploring a run for Governor, but I need your help, your encouragement, and most of all your financial support as I consider launching a full blown campaign. Every dollar raised, every volunteer signed up, and every word of encouragement I receive, moves us closer to launching an official candidate committee. Please don't delay and join #TeamStewart today! Together, we can usher in a new generation of leadership for Connecticut."

BIO
Meet Mayor Erin
Mayor Erin E. Stewart is the 40th Mayor of the City of New Britain. She was first elected at the age of 26 on November 12, 2013 then was reelected six times since by double digit margins. Mayor Stewart is the youngest Mayor in City history, is the longest serving female Mayor and longest serving Republican Mayor in City history, and is tied for the title of longest serving consecutive Mayor in City history. Mayor Stewart has had a successful career as a Republican leader of a City where Democrats outnumber Republicans 4 to 1.
Mayor Stewart was born and raised in New Britain, attended New Britain Public Schools, and graduated from New Britain High School in 2005. Following high school graduation, she continued her higher education at Central Connecticut State University in 2009 receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a minor in Communications. Mayor Stewart recently received her Master’s in Public Administration, Finance, from University of New Haven.
Mayor Stewart has earned accolades for her leadership and results-driven style of governing. She closed a deficit of more than $30 million during her first term and has since increased the City’s Rainy Day fund to $34 million, bringing stability and responsibility back to the City’s finances. Under Mayor Stewart’s leadership, the City’s Standard and Poor’s bond rating has increased by four notches to “A+.”
During her time in office, Mayor Stewart has overseen the complete renovation of Gaffney, Chamberlain, Smalley, and Holmes Elementary Schools, totaling an over $600 million investment in New Britain’s educational facilities. She was also a vocal advocate for improving the quality of public education New Britain’s students received in the classroom, leading to significant leadership, policy, and curriculum changes within the Consolidated School District of New Britain.
Mayor Stewart has led the transformation of Downtown New Britain, and paved the way for development projects in almost every corner of the City. As a result of nearly $45 million in Complete Streets projects and infrastructure improvements, there has been an influx of outside investment that the City has not seen in decades. Notable projects include a mixture of housing projects that include luxury to market rate, as well as, senior and affordable options. Currently there is over $330 million in private development projects in Downtown New Britain alone, due to Mayor Stewart’s vision and the investment her administration has made.
Under Mayor Stewart’s leadership, New Britain has invested significant resources to address the issues of homelessness, addiction and youth prevention in a holistic manner. The City’s Opioid Task force, Homelessness Plan, and Local Youth Drug and Alcohol Prevention Council have been brought under the umbrella of a new program called New Britain Recovers. New Britain Recovers is a consortium of the many individuals and community resources that provide services in these critical areas. These efforts led by Mayor Stewart continue New Britain’s tradition of compassionate service and care for those who have encountered difficult struggles in their lives and that need a helping hand up. New Britain Recovers has earned accolades from recovery professionals and elected leaders alike as the “model” in the State of Connecticut.
Mayor Stewart has placed a priority on upgrading the park system in New Britain during her time in office, which most recently included the $10 million renovation of Osgood Park. Over the past 11 years Mayor Stewart has made significant improvements to Stanley Quarter Park, Chesley Park, and AW Stanley Park just to name a few. These projects have gone a long way in improving the quality of life for families in New Britain, and ensuring the residents and visitors alike have fun, safe, outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Mayor Stewart continues to be humbled by the recognition she has received for her service and leadership. She was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s Power 50 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Connecticut Magazine named her one of their “40 Under 40.” She has been the subject of in-depth profiles by national media outlets like the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Time Magazine, and Newsmax. Hartford Magazine readers also named Mayor Stewart Best Politician in Connecticut in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as Best Community Leader in Connecticut in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Prior to her election as Mayor, Erin Stewart was employed by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, the Office of Governor M. Jodi Rell, and the Connecticut General Assembly’s Senate Republican Office. She served New Britain as the Vice-Chairwoman on the Commission of Community and Neighborhood Development, the New Britain Board of Education, as well as various other leadership positions throughout the City.
In addition to her role as Mayor, Mayor Stewart serves as a member of the Connecticut Board of Regents, as Chairwoman of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.
Mayor Erin Stewart is married to Domenic, and is the proud mother to two small children, Lina (4) and Domenic “Nicky” (1).


"Let’s face it, at best Connecticut is stuck in neutral – more likely, is that we are already in decline. Taxes and the cost of utilities are simply too high, young families, like mine, struggle every day to make ends meet. We are losing businesses and talent to other states, and we have no long term vision of where we, as a state, want to go. The politicians in Hartford like to shrug and exclaim “well, we are the land of steady habits” in a feeble attempt to distract from their own failures. Our state is stagnant, because our leadership is stagnant. The time is now to change course, we cannot afford to delay. We need a new generation of leadership to foster in an era of growth and opportunity for Connecticut. I'm exploring a run for Governor because I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do what is necessary to fix Connecticut, and I know what it takes to win tough elections."
- Mayor Erin Stewart
In the News
01.28.25
EXCLUSIVE: New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart lays out vision for run for governor
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — In a News 8 exclusive, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart sat down with News 8’s chief political anchor Dennis House to discuss the 2026 race for Connecticut governor…
01.28.25
New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart files to 'explore' run for governor in 2026
NEW BRITAIN—Stewart announced on Tuesday that she officially filed the paperwork with the state to “explore” a run for governor in 2026…
01.28.25
‘New generation of leadership.’ Republican Erin Stewart announces she is exploring a run for governor
It’s only one month into the new year, but the 2026 elections are already heating up. On Tuesday, Republican Erin Stewart announced that she is exploring a run for governor next year…
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