Sen. Gary D. LeBeau, D-East Hartford, ended his gubernatorial explorations today.
“With deep regret and strong sense of achievement, I am ending my bid for the Democratic nomination for Governor,” he said in an email. “I thank you and my many supporters who have given me encouragement, advice, time and donations over the past 12 months. I am wiser and wealthier as a result of this experience and you are a key reason.”
LeBeau said he would remain involved in politics, most likely by seeking re-election to the state Senate.
Democrats still have a large field of candidates with exploratory committees, led by Ned Lamont of Greenwich and former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, but only one declared candidate, former House Speaker James A. Amann of Milford.
Amann acknowledged in an interview that his campaign has been a non-starter, but he isn’t inclined to drop out until someone in his party officially declares.
Lamont told supporters Sunday in West Hartford that he would have an announcement in a matter of weeks.
On the Republican side, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton is expected to announce his candidacy tonight, joining a field led by former Ambassador Tom Foley of Greenwich and Lt. Gov. Michael C. Fedele.