Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Stonington state senator who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2014 won't run for re-election in November, he announced Wednesday.
Democrat Andrew Maynard provided no reason for his decision not to seek a sixth two-year term, only saying in a written statement that it's been an honor to serve in the Senate on behalf of the residents of the 18th District.
"I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes, and I am grateful to live in such a beautiful and supportive community," he said in the statement. While Maynard was on hand for Wednesday's Senate session, a spokesman for the Senate Democrats said Maynard was not expected to speak directly with members of the media.
The 53-year-old Maynard in 2014 fell off an outdoor staircase at his home. He suffered serious injuries, including a condition that affected his speech. Months after that accident, Maynard easily won re-election despite being unable to campaign because of his physical condition. He eventually returned to the Senate last January.
Maynard's health came under renewed scrutiny following a Jan. 14 car crash in which police say he was driving the wrong way and struck an SUV. The co-chairman of the General Assembly's Transportation Committee suffered a concussion and was unconscious when emergency crews arrived.
Maynard's local newspaper, The Day of New London, has questioned whether the popular state senator was up for the job. A columnist suggested he might be a "puppet politician" of the Senate's majority Democrats who don't want to lose the seat to a Republican.
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said his caucus will miss Maynard, crediting him with legislative successes that helped the state and his district, but are "counting on him to be active with us and engaged for the rest of the session and the rest of 2016."
The GOP is already eyeing the seat, which includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown. Heather Somers, a former mayor of Groton Town and the 2014 GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, was expected to announce her plans Wednesday evening to run for the seat.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
