HAMDEN, CT (WFSB) - A democratic state representative was set on Monday to launch his campaign for governor.State Rep. Josh Elliot said he is launching his campaign at an event in Hamden.It comes less than a week after he filed paperwork to declare his intent to run in 2026.While Lamont has still not said whether he will seek a third term, there are strong signs he will.it is a bit unusual for a democrat to challenge an incumbent democratic governor.Elliott says that whether Lamont runs or not, he feels there needs to be another voice in the election for governor.“Our campaign will be asking a simple question to the people of Connecticut, what do we stand for and where are we going?” Elliot said. Elliott is serving his fifth term as a state representative.He says Lamont has done some good things, but says Lamont has became part of the status quo and is not doing enough to help working people in Connecticut.“This campaign is not about personality, it’s about ideas. It’s about channeling the growing frustration that rightfully exists throughout the state and turning it into something constructive, urgent, hopeful,” said Elliot. “Right now, too much of our policy favors those who already have the most.”Elliott says he supports raising the capitol gains tax on the wealthy, something Lamont was not willing to do.Elliott is also critical of Lamont for vetoing housing legislation the legislature passed this year. He says the state’s housing crisis must be addressed, and blames Lamont for backing down from something controversial.Elliott is getting support from some democrats who feel Connecticut needs a more socially progressive governor.Democratic State Senator Saud Anwar is supporting Elliot.“We are in very critical times, maybe one of the most difficult times in Connecticut. This moment is not being met by the governor. He is completely misaligned with the needs of the community,” said Sen. Saud Anwar, (D), South Windsor. Anwar supports more socially progressive candidates, including Aohran Mamdani. Mamdani is a proclaimed socialist who won the democratic mayoral primary in New York City.“Mamdani touched a nerve because of the energy, but he touched a nerve because of things he was talking about, talking about affordability,” said Elliot. While Gov. Ned Lamont has not made any official announcements about his intentions, there has already been some competition from Republicans.Two Republicans filed the necessary paperwork, Jen Tooker and Timothy Wilcox. Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced her candidacy earlier this year. If she is elected governor, she said she plans to lower energy costs and make the state a better place to retire.Back in January, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart said she is exploring a 2026 run. Stewart is raising money but has not yet filed the paperwork. She did run for governor in 2018, but the campaign failed. Stewart said she will make a final decision by the fall of 2025.Channel 3 will keep you updated with official announcements from candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Among the major pieces of legislation is the expansion of special education programming; and a new endowment fund that in a few years is expected to provide free day care and pre-school for families earning less than $100,000.