Democratic leader and Mayoral candidate Veronica T. DeLandro thanked supporters and the people of New Britain in announcing the end of her 2021 Mayoral campaign.
DeLandro told supporters online that she will not appear on the September 14, 2021 Democratic Mayoral primary ballot, having fallen short of the needed petition signatures.
“I would like to thank my family, volunteers, donors, and the many New Britain residents who supported me along this journey,” said DeLandro.
DeLandro launched a strong campaign in January, raising tens of thousands of dollars early in the campaign. Ahead of other Democratic candidates in early fundraising, she appeared to some observers as the front runner for the Democratic Mayoral nomination.
DeLandro gained great stature in Democratic politics and many supporters from Democratic activists when Republican Mayor Erin Stewart and City Council Republicans passed over her after Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) and city Democrats chose DeLandro to succeed Sanchez on the Council after he was elected to the State House of Representatives. Republicans, instead, used the vacant seat in 2020 as an opportunity to expand the Republican City Council caucus.
Far from ending her activism, DeLandro reiterated her call for change from the current powers in City Hall, change which she said is necessary to bring about what the people of New Britain need.
DeLandro said that she plans to continue her vaccine hesitancy campaign, encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which she said that she made an important part of her campaign after seeing that leadership was needed in the city to work for the health of New Britain’s people.
Saying that she plans to continue campaigning door to door, DeLandro said that she truly enjoys meeting so many different people throughout the city.
“Since the launch of my Mayoral Exploratory committee in January, I have worked diligently to connect with residents throughout our city to amplify their concerns and reform our community,” DeLandro said. “Through our virtual listening tour I was able to speak directly with key stakeholders and our most valuable assets – our residents, to learn how we can move our city forward, for all.”
“As I listened to residents I became keenly aware of the disparities that our communities faced with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DLandro. “In response, we launched our vaccine hesitancy campaign, knocking on thousands of doors to ensure that all New Britain residents were informed and had access to the vaccine.”
“While we will not appear on the September primary ballot,” said DeLandro, “I feel that the campaign has raised many important issues that face our City. I truly look forward to continuing the work of moving our city onward together as we reform and revitalize our city.”
A Democratic Mayoral primary is to be held on September 14th between Rep. Bobby Sanchez (D-25) and activist Alicia Hernandez Strong, at which Democratic voters will determine their Mayoral candidate to oppose Stewart.
A Democratic primary will also be held that day for Judge of Probate, between Bill Rivera and Bob Scalise, and a primary will be held for five At-Large Council seats on the Democratic slate amoung seven candidates.
