Wyman elected chairman of state Democratic Party
HARTFORD — The end of Nancy Wyman’s tenure as an elected official might as well have been a commercial for “the happiest place on Earth.”
“Now that you’re retiring, what are you going to do next?” reporters, friends and family asked for months.
Well, like the football superstars that have appeared in the commercials since 1987, she hopped on a flight and went to Disney World the day after she officially left office as the state’s lieutenant governor.
Fortunately for Connecticut Democrats, she didn’t cancel her return flight Wednesday, instead landing in time to be elected the next chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party.
Her election was nearly unanimous, with one member of the state central committee voting against Wyman’s nomination.
“Back when I thought I wouldn’t be working anymore, we booked this trip with my kids and grandkids,” Wyman said earlier Wednesday, adding that because she accepted the position, she spent a lot of her vacation on the phone.
“I’ve made so many phone calls about what people want, and I gotta tell you, there’s so many great ideas out there,” she said.
Still, she’s excited to lead the Democratic party in Connecticut, riding the momentum of the 2018 election. At 72, she had indicated she was not ready to become a full-time retiree and grandmother, so her acceptance of the role was not surprising.
Wyman takes on the challenging and contentious position after leaving office as one of the state’s most popular politicians.
“There is no one in government or politics that is more genuine, caring and dedicated as Nancy,” said state Treasurer Shawn Wooden, who was elected in November. “Whether as state representative, state comptroller or lietuenant governor, for more than 30 years she has always set an example for how we in government and politics should conduct ourselves.”
Gov. Ned Lamont hand picked Wyman for the role, succeeding Nick Balletto, who has led the Connecticut Democrats since 2015. Wyman’s two-year term begins Feb. 1.
Balletto choked up while reading his final speech to the party, thanking the members of the state central committee and passing the baton to Wyman. He wiped a tear from his cheek as he received a standing ovation.
“I’ve seen a lot of history, and in the hard times and in the good times, I’ve been proud to be a part of it,” Balletto said, noting milestones like the election of U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, who this year became the first black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress.
“This has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life and I know Nancy will be a great steward as she continues to lead our party,” Balletto said.
Wyman thanked Balletto for his work, and joked that she’s following in his footsteps “even though he’s never worn heels,” referencing her infamous footwear. She also warned him that his involvement in the Democratic Party certainly isn’t over.
“We know how to find you,” she said. “For all that time you have given us as a party, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Wyman’s political career has spanned three decades. She was first elected as a state representative from Tolland, and in 1994, was the first woman in state history to be elected as comptroller. In 2010, she was elected lieutenant governor, serving alongside former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for two terms. For the past two years, Wyman was the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, which she used on a controversial deal with the state employee unions that guaranteed there would be no layoffs for four years.