CONNECTICUT, USA — State Treasurer Shawn Wooden will not be seeking another term in office, he announced Thursday.
In a statement, Wooden said while he's been honored to serve as Hartford City Council President and as State Treasurer over the last ten years, he will be stepping back to spend more time with his family.
"As a father, I’ve sacrificed countless hours, missing everything from basketball games and track meets to family dinners. With one of my sons going to college soon and the other right behind him, I’ve decided not to seek re-election as Treasurer," Wooden said in the statement.
Wooden was sworn in as state treasurer in 2019.
In his announcement, Wooden reflected on his accomplishments in Gov. Ned Lamont's administration as well as his time spent on the bi-partisan National Association of State Treasurers.
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"During my time as Treasurer, we’ve divested from civilian gun manufacturers, restructured the teachers’ pension fund to ensure long-term sustainability, secured major credit rating upgrades for the first time in over two decades, paid down our pension fund liabilities on an accelerated basis, saved taxpayers millions of dollars through bond refundings and passed the first in the nation Baby Bonds program to lift children out of poverty," said Wooden.
Wooden said that in his remaining time in office, he intends to continue the focus on his work as treasurer.
"While I won’t be on the ballot this fall, my hope is to continue my public service in the future. In the meantime, I will keep looking for ways to help the state and the people who have given me so much. I offer my sincere thanks to the people of Connecticut who have given me the honor of a lifetime to serve as your 83rd State Treasurer," Wooden said.
Governor Ned Lamont said in a statement:
“Treasurer Wooden has been a great partner to my administration in helping get Connecticut’s fiscal house in order, stabilizing our financial future, borrowing in a responsible manner that reduces spending, and making consistent payments to decrease our state’s long-term fiscal obligations. Together, we’ve helped bring a financial turnaround in Connecticut that has resulted in multiple credit rating agency upgrades. I appreciate his partnership in righting our fiscal ship, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next endeavors.”
U.S. Rep. John B. Larson said in a statement:
“Shawn Wooden has been a phenomenal Treasurer. I have been proud to work with him over the past few years on creating a national Baby Bonds program. His decision to not seek re-election is a loss for the State of Connecticut, but I know his public service isn’t over. I wish him and his family well,” said Larson.
Majority Leader Jason Rojas released a statement following Wooden's announcement:
Treasurer Wooden has been steadfast voice for creating a sustainable and secure financial future for Connecticut. From establishing the critically needed Baby Bonds program to ensuring we pay down our pension liabilities – Shawn’s tireless service as Treasurer has helped bring the state closer to a resilient financial future. While his leadership will be missed, I know he will continue to remain an active participant in the future of our state and has created policies that will continue to impact our decision making for years to come. I wish Shawn nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
Shawn has set a high standard for the Treasurer’s office – and, my hope is that any candidate selected will continue to bring diversity and experience to the office. It’ll be interesting to see who throws their hat into the race.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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