Sen. Jonathan Harris has dropped out of the race for Secretary of the State, though a Democratic primary for the spot is likely as House Majority Leader Denise Merrill and former New Haven alderman Gerry Garcia are still in the running.
“This was a difficult decision for me, but ultimately the right one,” said Harris, D-West Hartford. “Democrats are well-positioned … and I look forward to helping the party in any way that I can.”
Harris said he will not seek reelection for the state Senate seat he has been representing for the past 6 years.
“While I will no longer hold office, I am confident that there will be many opportunities for me to continue my public service,” he said.
Merrill, D-Mansfield, received the Democratic party endorsement at the party’s state convention last month and Garcia received over the 15 percent needed to guarantee himself a spot on the Aug. 10 primary ballot.