WESTPORT–First Selectwoman Jen Tooker has suspended her run for governor, but is looking for other ways in which her name “can remain on the ballot in November of 2026,” she announced today.

“I entered this race to be the next Governor of Connecticut as a true outsider who feels the call to serve the state I love, knowing that this amazing state is in desperate need of a course correction,” she wrote. “However, after very serious thought and deliberation, it has become clear to me that the voters need more time to get to know me, and I need more time to get to know them.”

Elected first selectwoman four years ago, she announced in March that she would not seek a second term in the upcoming November town election in order to pursue the governor’s post.

In July, the town GOP nominated Don O’Day to run for the town’s top position. A lifelong Democrat, O’Day changed his registration to “unaffiliated” to accept the spot on the Republican town ticket. 

Today, he had praise for Tooker.

“Jen is a friend,” he said. “I admire her remarkable commitment to service here in Westport and our state. Campaigns are roller- coasters, but I’m certain that Jen will continue to contribute positively to both the Westport community and beyond.”

Two other candidates are running for the first selectperson post – Democratic candidate Kevin Christie and Independent candidate David Rosenwacks.

“We commend anyone who participates in Democracy, campaigning, and governing,” Christie said of Tooker. “We wish Ms. Tooker well as we continue to focus on Westport, tackling challenges and making sure our town continues to thrive.”

Rosenwaks thanked Tooker “for her years of service to Westport” and said he respected her decision to suspend her gubernatorial bid. Whoever serves as governor,” he said, “Westport has important choices ahead and having open communication with our elected officials in Hartford will be crucial going forward. I remain focused on listening to our residents, building bridges, and ensuring our local government is transparent, accountable, and responsive.”

In her announcement, Tooker said the state continues to face major issues, including “tackling the affordability crisis,” reviving the economy, making the state government more accountable and enhancing K-12 education in the state.

“But with one party having total control over Hartford for much of the past decade, there has been little incentive for leaders to set aside partisanship and work across the aisle in search of practical long-term solutions,” she wrote.

For her future plans, she wrote, “I still possess the heart and desire to serve the people of Connecticut….I will be actively exploring other avenues in which my name can remain on the ballot in November of 2026.”