Thomas Breen File Photo
Gage Frank, Shafiq Abdussabur's new campaign manager, filing papers in 2019 for then-boss Justin Elicker.
Gage Frank, Justin Elicker’s former campaign manager and mayoral spokesperson, has returned to the trail — to try to defeat his former boss.
The former top aide, Gage Frank, has begun working as campaign manager for Shafiq Abdussabur. Abdussabur is one of three Democrats running against Elicker, who’s seeking a third two-year term, in a Sept. 12 party primary.
Frank, who’s 31, managed Elicker’s successful 2019 quest for a first term. He then served as Mayor Elicker’s first communications officer in the first term, including through the first initial lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic. He left in May 2021, after 17 months; he has since worked for former State Treasurer Shawn Wooden and United Illuminating
Frank told the Independent Monday that he believes New Haven is ready again for change, as it was in 2019, to tackle challenges like a struggling school district and violent crime.
“I think he did a great job during Covid. I was right there at City Hall. I was at work seven days a week with him,” Frank said.
Since then, he argued, Elicker has failed to build bridges across the community or present a compelling vision. Despite all the federal money that flowed into New Haven during the pandemic, life has not improved for people living across city neighborhoods, he said.
“I don’t think he’s the unifier that we need,” said Frank, who lives in Beaver Hills.
“We’re still struggling with crime, we’re still struggling with absenteeism. This vision is short-sighted. I don’t think he can adjust to see a full picture of New Haven. I talk to people every single day: Their lives have not gotten better. It’s more than a press release. It’s more than a program. It’s going to take big ideas to move this city forward.”
“Gage has proven that he knows how to win campaigns,” Abdussabur stated in a release. “He’s deeply committed to his hometown and wants to see it prosper.”
Mayor Elicker was asked for his reaction to his former aide’s side-switch.
“Gage is great. I wish him well,” Elicker responded. He declined to comment on Gage’s criticisms.
Two unaffiliated candidates, Macey Torres and Wendy Hamilton, have filed papers to run in the November general election; 2021 Republican mayoral candidate John Carlson is also considering another general election run.
no permanent alliances; no permanent enemies. It's all very incestuous and a little creepy the strange bedfellows that ya see!