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Boughton, 49, made the announcement at Danbury High School, where he graduated and taught social studies for 14 years. He characterized his move as "dipping his toe in the water." He said he is "not a candidate" yet but is weighing his options.
“It continues to be my honor to serve the people of Danbury, which is why I chose to make this announcement in my hometown today,” Boughton said in the statement. “Here in Danbury, and across our state, we continue to feel the devastating effects of a Malloy administration that spends too much, taxes too much, and lacks accountability.”
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received from voters across the state. I will spend the next several months ‘testing the waters,’ and will make my decision based on my assessment of the Republican Party’s ability to field a conservative candidate best equipped to defeat Dan Malloy by relating to and appealing to a broad spectrum of Connecticut voters,” he said.
Boughton is currently running for re-election to the office of Danbury mayor, with the voting set for this November. His Democratic opponent is Danbury resident Paul McAllister, a former Common Council member and a retired Ridgefield police lieutenant.
Boughton, who is famous for his Twitter usage @MayorMark, hinted about his intentions earlier Wednesday. Here are a sample of his Tweets:
- "Lately I've been running on faith, What else can a poor boy do.."
- "Running on, running into the sun, But I'm running behind"
- "Tramps like us...baby we were born to run."
The Danbury mayor faces competition, though. Millionaire Tom Foley, who narrowly lost to Gov. Dannel Malloy in 2010, is expected to run again. Boughton also served as Foley's running mate in 2010 as the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor.
State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney of Fairfield has also announced his intention to seek the post.
Boughton was elected mayor in November 2001 and is serving his sixth term. He is the longest serving Republican mayor in Danbury’s history.
He was a member of Danbury’s Planning Commission from 1995 to 1998 and was a state representative from 1998 to 2002. Boughton was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1983 to 1989.
His wife, Phyllis, owns and operates Connecticut Kitchen & Bath in Danbury.
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