May 29, 2020/Press Releases

Nancy Wyman to Step Down as Democratic State Party Chair

Nancy Wyman, former Lieutenant Governor and Chair of the CT Democrats since 2019, will step down from her post effective June 10. Governor Ned Lamont has asked Nancy DiNardo, current Democratic National Committee (DNC) member and former state party chair, to take over the role.

“I’ve had an amazing career in Connecticut politics and it has been an honor to continue to serve as party chairman. I am grateful to Governor Lamont for giving me this opportunity, but it is time for me to step back from day to day operations,” Wyman said. “This is an extraordinary election year, and I hope to continue to support the party by stepping into Nancy DiNardo’s role on the DNC.” 

Wyman said when she accepted the Governor’s offer to the state party, she said she would do so for a year. After 18 months, and with enough time for the next chair to plan for the fall elections, Wyman said she is ready for change. The swap of leadership roles must be approved by the 72-member Democratic State Central Committee.

“When I needed Nancy Wyman, she stepped up and agreed to lead our state party at a time when she could have retired from public service.  Nancy’s longstanding relationships with those on both sides of the aisle along with her deep understanding of state politics have served Connecticut Democrats well.  I am grateful and thank her,” Lamont said.

“Nancy DiNardo has a wealth of political experience in our state, and is exactly the kind of woman the party can rely on as we head into the 2020 election, what will be the most important election of our lives. The Nancy to Nancy combination has the party positioned for success this Fall,” Lamont added.

“I look forward to taking on the role of state party chair again. I may have been there before Nancy Wyman was, but now I have the distinct honor of being able to fill her impressive shoes,” said DiNardo, who was the first woman to chair the state party. “We’ll miss Nancy Wyman’s daily leadership, but having her voice on the DNC will make an enormous contribution to our election efforts. I look forward to leading Connecticut Democrats to a win in November.”

Members of the DNC, two from Connecticut, provide input into the national party platform and the national party’s campaign efforts.

Wyman served four terms as State Comptroller before being elected Lieutenant Governor in 2010. Before that she was a member of the state House of Representatives and served on her local school board.