Hillhouse High School Principal Kermit Carolina, who ran for mayor in the September Democratic primary, is weighing another run for public office — this time for the state Senate seat being vacated by Toni Harp.
Harp said she plans to step down from her 10th state Senate District seat on Jan. 2 as she begins her duties as New Haven’s 50th mayor. A special election for the seat will take place within the following two months. The district covers about half of New Haven and a sliver of West Haven. State Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield said he plans to seek the Senate seat assuming it opens as planned; several other political figures said they are also considering runs. (Read about all that here.)
Now add Carolina’s name to the potential mix.
“People have approached me” about seeking the seat, Carolina said Thursday. “Right now my focus is on continuing our progress at Hillhouse. The mayoral campaign took a lot out of me. I am flattered [by the support for a new run’, and I’m going to consider it.”
Though I appreciate Mr. Carolina's desire to serve the public as an elected official, he already has a full plate. Hillhouse is in need of strong leadership and campaigning is, as he figured out, a full time job. For now, Mr. Carolina needs to remain at his job and dedicate his energies towards the same.
With that said, I am a supporter of GHW for the seat. As for the prospect of winning between the two, the overall odds highly favor GHW.