Isaac Yu Photo
Brackeen with Rev. Steve Cousin at East Rock fundraiser.
Upper Westville Darryl Brackeen took his quest to demonstrate viability as a statewide candidate to a tap room in New Haven’s Goatville neighborhood, with a fundraiser at East Rock Brewing Company.
Twenty supporters showed up at the Saturday night event at the Nicoll Street establishment.
Darryl Brackeen, a five-term alder representing Ward 26, is one of three New Haveners who are exploring campaigns for secretary of the state, Connecticut’s top elections and commercial-records position, along with city Health Director Maritza Bond and former Democratic Town Chair Jacqueline James. Though the election won’t be held until 2022, Brackeen and Bond have filed papers to form exploratory committees, with James saying she’s a couple of weeks away from her formal announcement. All are trying to demonstrate early support to break out of the pack of potential candidates; the pool also includes State Reps. Hilda Santiago of Meriden, Josh Elliott of Hamden and Matt Lesser of Middletown.
The position is drawing interest partly because it’s one of the few top state posts in which an incumbent (Denise Merrill) is retiring. Secretary of the state positions have also gained prominence nationwide amid debates over voting access and the integrity of election results.
Brackeen, who kicked off his exploratory campaign back in August, has the backing of many. Mayor Justin Elicker and East Rock Alder Anna Festa, who were among the 20 who showed up for Saturday night’s event Saturday. The event was headlined by Rev. Steven Cousin and Newhallville/Prospect Hill Alder Kim Edwards.
“He cares about the city,” Elicker said. “He deeply cares about social justice and has been particularly focused on voting rights. The state can benefit from someone like him.”
When asked for his elevator pitch, Brackeen positioned himself as an outsider to statewide politics who can bring fresh ideas to protection voters’ rights.
“There’s a difference between talking the talk and actually doing the work,” Brackeen said. “I intend to raise the issues that most state officials are frankly not in touch with. I want to be the working-class champion at the state level. My life has prepared me for this moment.”
The alder pointed to his work co-founding and leading the voter participation organization Generation Change CT and increasing voter participation during the pandemic. He also claimed that he is only candidate in the race who has been certified to run a polling station.
Brackeen backer Brady.
With eyes on an overall goal of $80,000, which would qualify Brackeen for Connecticut’s public-financing program, the exploratory committee is nearing a third-quarter filing deadline this coming Thursday. Potential candidates will look to showing early support in that filing to convince others to support their campaigns moving forward.
“We’re seeing lots of supporters from around the state who are very interested in hearing about what he’s exploring, and also those that want to host events,” campaign Treasurer Rhonda Caldwell told the Independent.
Frank E. Brady, a supporter who hosted the August kick-off event, said that he’s glad to have someone close to home vying for the state office.
“I’ve watched him work hard here for 12, 13 years, and he has a heart for people,” Brady said. “I’m excited for him to be at this stage in his life and what he’s pursuing now.”
Pitcher perfect: Brackeen consultant Lenny Speiller with Elicker campaign manager Kim Agyekum.
