New Haven’s Brackeen Explores Statewide Office.

New Haven Board of Alder member Darryl Brackeen has filed a campaign committee to explore a bid for statewide office. The four-term Democrat is considering running for secretary of the state. Three-term incumbent Denise Merrill is not seeking re-election.

Brackeen’s July 13th filing with the State Elections Enforcement Commission indicated he was also weighing a campaign for the General Assembly. He amended it eight days later to limit his exploration to statewide offices, not including treasurer.

Party leaders and activists have been receiving calls from a platoon of Democrats testing their support and that of others interested in running for secretary of the state. Others are waiting for a signal from Kevin Lembo, the state’s third-term comptroller, on his 2022 intentions.

New Haven sends the largest delegations to state Democratic conventions.