By John Schwing

Two candidates with Westport ties are among those exploring a run for secretary of the state next year, in what is expected to be a crowded field of Democrats trying to replace Denise Merrill, who is not seeking re-election.

Rob Simmelkjaer, chairman of the Connecticut Lottery Corp. and unsuccessful running mate with first selectman candidate Melissa Kane four years ago, and state Rep. Stephanie Thomas, whose 143rd state House District includes a slice of Westport, are expected to make bids for the Democrats’ nomination to run for the secretary’s slot.

The race for secretary of the state, whose major responsibility is the state’s chief elections official, will be hotly contested since it is the only statewide position where a Democratic incumbent is not seeking re-election.

Merrill announced earlier this year that she would not seek a fourth term.

Simmelkjaer, a former broadcasting executive who also served on the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, has set up an “exploratory committee” — robforct.com — for a prospective run for secretary of the state.

A fundraiser for his campaign is planned Dec. 12 at the home of Linda and Michael Gordon.

Meanwhile, Thomas, a freshman legislator from Norwalk — whose district’s Westport footprint is slated to grow under new redistricting maps — on Tuesday filed papers to make her the first Democrat to officially declare her candidacy for secretary of the state.

Thomas has advocated for early voting and no-excuse absentee ballots as vice chair of the legislatiure’s Government Administration and Elections Committee.

She joins a field of two Republicans with secretary of the state candidate committees, Dominic A. Rapini and Brock L. Weber, as well as a growing list of Democrats with exploratory committees.

The Democratic explorers for the office include three other lawmakers, state Reps. Hilda Santiago of Meriden and Josh Elliott of Hamden, and state Sen. Matt Lesser of Middletown.

Also exploring a race is Maritza Bond, the director of public health for New Haven.

With additional reporting by CTMirror.org.