Scanlon Isn’t Running For Governor. Yet

At a Thursday evening ​“Scoops With Sean” meetup at a vegan frozen dessert shop downtown, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said he isn’t running for governor — at least not yet.

Asked about a potential 2026 bid, he smiled and replied, ​“Not today.” But if Gov. Ned Lamont declines to seek a third term, Scanlon said he’d ​“consider” entering the race.

That was the scoop at ​“Scoops With Sean,” an informal meet-and-greet organized by Scanlon and held at Via Lactea at 2 Whitney Ave.

Around 15 city and state leaders gathered Thursday evening for Scanlon’s third ​“ice cream social” of the summer. Among them was State Treasurer Erick Russell, lifelong New Havener and the event’s special guest. 

Though the 2026 elections are more than a year away, behind-the-scenes maneuvering has already commenced. 

In particular, Lamont’s decision on whether to seek a third term is being closely watched by many Democrats. While the governor has strongly hinted at his intentions to run, the only Democrat to formally enter the race is five-term Hamden State Rep. Josh Elliott, who also attended Thursday’s ice cream meetup.

Speaking on Lamont’s possible re-election campaign, Scanlon said, ​“I like him and hope he does” decide to run.

For his part, Russell said he loves his current job and is not currently aspiring to other higher office. 

Scanlon and Russell are ​“two of the smartest guys in the Capitol,” said West Haven State Rep. Bill Hefferman. With their youth and energy, he predicted the pair would be ​“running the state” for years to come.

Thursday wasn’t the first time Scanlon and Russell teamed up for a Democratic Party power event. Click here to read about a pizza luncheon the two co-hosted, with New Haven Democrats along with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, at the Chicago Democratic National Convention last year. 

Scanlon was elected in 2014 as a Guilford state representative. In the House, he co-sponsored legislation to curb opioid abuse, spearheaded a bill to improve drug price transparency, and chaired the Insurance and Real Estate and Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees. He also served as executive director of Tweed New Haven Airport, helping negotiate the deal that expanded the airport and brought Avelo Airlines to New Haven.

In 2022, he was elected comptroller, defeating Republican Mary Fay. During his tenure, Scanlon said, he’s been focused on ​“making budgets and math accessible to people”: for example, by creating social media explainers with ​“an economic hook” about climate change and higher education. 

Russell also works to bridge the gap between policy and people. ​“Connecting work that can seem up in the clouds back to the community,” he said, is something he’s ​“very committed” to doing as an elected official.

Russell, a veteran of New Haven’s Democratic Town Committee, entered public office in 2023 as Connecticut State Treasurer. He launched the state’s baby bonds program, which sets aside $3,200 for every child born into poverty. Recipients can access the money between 18 and 30, when their bond could be worth as much as $24,000.

Thursday’s event drew a crowd of prominent Democrats, including East Rock/Downtown Alder Eli Sabin, East Rock/Fair Haven Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith, Fair Haven Alders Sarah Miller and Frank Redente, Woodbridge First Selectman Mica Cardozo, and New Haven Federation of Teachers President Leslie Blatteau. 

People were impressed by the creaminess of the plant-based ice cream, which was named a James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalist in 2024. Cardozo said he could hardly believe his scoop of vanilla bean topped with caramel sauce was vegan.

Thursday’s event also served as a platform for an aspiring politician: Liam Roselle, a 17-year-old from Amity Regional High School. Roselle is considering a run against Republican State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, whom he views as not committed enough to her constituents.

When asked about concerns around his age, he said, ​“Just give me a chance. I am leagues and leagues more passionate than [Zupkus] is.”