Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, who served nearly seven years in prison for corruption, filed paperwork Wednesday to launch his campaign for governor.
Ganim, a Democrat, was mayor of Bridgeport for 11 years until he was convicted of steering city contracts in exchange for private gifts. He was released from prison in 2010, and five years later won back his seat in City Hall.
Ganim said he’s been given a second chance, and believes that in choosing Connecticut’s next governor, voters will consider the whole person.
“And in my case, I think one with the most experience,” he said. “As I’ve said, an imperfect candidate, with something to offer, at a time when Connecticut needs leadership and change,” he said.
Under Connecticut law, as a convicted felon, Ganim will have to run for governor without access to the state’s public campaign financing program.
