HARTFORD, Conn. — Wednesday was Inauguration Day in Connecticut as newly elected, or reelected, officials, were sworn into office on Wednesday.
Gov. Ned Lamont and his running mate, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, were sworn in alongside other top-ranking state officials at the William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford, as 500 dignitaries, elected officials, and citizens piled in to watch.
The orchestrated inauguration kicking off with a musical performance by the Ana Grace Academy of the Arts—a year-old Bloomfield magnet school named in honor of Ana Grace, a 6-year-old girl killed on Dec. 14, 2012, one of Connecticut’s darkest days.
“When times are prosperous, may the governors and each of our hearts be thankful and in times of trouble may our trust in you prevail,” said Chaplin Lt. Col. Eric Wismar.
During the ceremony, Attorney General William Tong, newly minted Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, and Treasurer Erick Russell were sworn into office. This is also Tong's second term.
Lamont, who was sworn in by former Chief Justice Chase Rogers said he’s learned a thing or two during his first term.
“Life is sometimes what happens when you’re making other plans. Could be the recession, the horrible shooting tragedy, the pandemic and our job as governors is to get through it, think about Connecticut as our family, and work together as one, and never take your eye off the north star. And our north star is growth and opportunity,” said Lamont after taking the oath.
Lamont starting his second term highlighting opportunity for kids and giving a shout out to his former education chief in attendance, Miguel Cardona, now President Biden’s Education Secretary.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz took a moment to honor veterans in attendance, including those in her own family.
“My dad, who passed away in 2019 just a few days after I was first elected,” she said.
While the state Capitol building was fully open for the first time since the pandemic, with lawmakers' family members filling the House and Senate chambers, Lamont's inaugural celebrations were more muted. Space in the armory was limited and attendees were greeted by a large sign urging them to stop the spread of COVID-19. Lamont's office has urged people who have any symptoms to avoid attending the day's events.
Lamont was not feted with a parade, as in previous inaugurations, but will be the star at the planned inaugural ball, to be held across the street from the state Capitol at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center.
“I want to thank the people of Connecticut for giving Annie and me this opportunity. I can’t do anything without my wife. I can’t do anything without my family. I think that keeps you grounded in life. It keeps you grounded during really complicated times, and I think of each and every one of you as my family,” Lamont said.
Former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was among the dignitaries at Lamont's inauguration, which also marked the opening day of the new legislative session.
With his second term, Lamont is expected to take a much stronger position than he did four years ago during his first term, which was soon mired by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this year's 2022 Midterm Elections, Lamont went up against his 2018 rival once again, Republican Bob Stefanowski. This year, Lamont won by a larger margin than in 2018 and secured higher approval ratings.
Lamont also has a Democratic-held state legislature behind him, which is sure to help get his legislative agenda passed.
"I seriously sought that he's going to run for a third term," said Sacred Hart University professor Dr. Gary Rose. "So I think he wants to probably do some really big, creative things within the next four years.
In his State of the State address, Lamont is expected to outline his agenda which will likely focus on tax reform, infrastructure improvements, and fiscal security.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Samaia Hernandez is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at shernandez@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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