James, Bond, Brackeen mull runs for Merrill’s seat

NEW HAVEN — At what’s still an early stage in the process, there’s plenty of New Haven in the running to see who will replace outgoing Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, with former alder and city official Jackie James definitely in and Health Director Maritza Bond and Alder Darryl Brackeen both considering runs.

So far, both Bond and

Brackeen have filed papers to form exploratory committees, which don’t specify which state office they may seek. Neither could immediately be reached for comment.

But Democratic Town Chairman Vin Mauro said he has spoken with both and said both are considering runs for the seat Merrill will vacate after three terms in office.

Mayor Justin Elicker

said Bond told him about her plans and “she emphasized her commitment to keep her work with the city separate from any activity related to her exploratory committee. Maritza is an important asset to our team and I think very highly of her,” he said.

James, meanwhile, confirmed that she’s planning a run and expects to form a full-blown campaign committee, not just an exploratory committee.

“We’re looking to possibly announce the first week in October,” said James, a former 2nd Ward alder who later served as Democratic Town Committee chairwoman and later as director of the small business services and deputy economic development administrator during former Mayor Toni Harp’s administration.

“Right now we’re working to build out our statewide infrastructure,” James said. “It’s a position that I have considered for quite some time.”

She said that as secretary of the state she would make continuation of early voting and continued access to absentee ballots priorities.

Serving as an elected official, Democratic Town Committee leader and a city employee “has really, really prepared me” for the position, James said.

Mauro said that for the city DTC and party members, “it’s incumbent on us to support the strongest candidate” that emerges.

At this point, “I think it’s very early in this process,” he said. “I really give a lot of credit to Denise Merrill for announcing that she was not seeking reelection, which allowed for people to explore” the possibilities of running.

Other Democrats who are considering runs include Hamden state Rep. Joshua Elliott, Middletown state Sen. Matt Lesser and Meriden state Rep. Hilda Santiago, Mauro said.