Erin Stewart Ends Connecticut Governor Bid After $123,018 Fraud Spending Findings
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 14
Erin Stewart Ends Connecticut Governor Bid After $123,018 Fraud Spending Findings
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 14
Erin Stewart, 39, quit the Connecticut governor's race Thursday little more than an hour after New Britain released an investigation finding $123,018 in undocumented city credit-card spending during her mayoral tenure.
The law firm hired by the city said the expenses from June 2016 to November 2025 lacked supporting records and included clothing, groceries, diapers, gifts for her husband and a Hartford social-club membership.
Stewart immediately endorsed state Senator Ryan Fazio, jolting Connecticut Republicans just two days before they were set to nominate a challenger to Democratic Governor Ned Lamont, who is seeking a third term.
The withdrawal strips Republicans of a candidate many viewed as their strongest option in a state where the party has not won a statewide election in 20 years.
How did a mayor’s alleged misuse of funds go unchecked for nearly a decade?
What loopholes allowed a city credit card to fund personal shopping and political trips?
Erin Stewart’s $207,000 City Credit Card Scandal Forces Campaign Suspension and Triggers Criminal Probe in Connecticut
Overview
On May 14, 2026, Erin Stewart suspended her Connecticut gubernatorial campaign after the Crumbie Law Group released a report detailing serious allegations of misconduct. The investigation uncovered a consistent pattern of abuse involving public funds and repeated violations of city policy, including the alleged misuse of a city-issued credit card for personal and campaign expenses. These revelations led to strong condemnation from public officials and created an untenable situation for Stewart’s campaign. Her exit immediately reshaped the Republican primary, clearing the way for the remaining candidates as the party prepared for its upcoming convention.