Ten years after being elected President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate, Don Williams announced he will not seek re-election this fall. The Brooklyn Democrat has served in the state senate since 1993.
Williams is the longest-serving president of Connecticut's Senate chamber and took the job during the political shuffle following Governor John Rowland's resignation.
In an interview with The Hartford Courant, Williams said the decision was "difficult," but he felt the time was right to move on. He did not announce future plans but ruled out a future lobbying career.
He shared the news with his fellow Democratic senators during a closed caucus and managed to keep it a secret up until the announcement. On his way into the meeting, he said he was "on the fence" when asked if he was planning to retire soon.
Governor Dannel Malloy released a statement on Williams' decision:
“Don has been a great ally and friend. He works tirelessly for his constituents and fights hard for what he believes. I’m proud to have worked with him to find common ground on some of the most important issues of our day, including creating jobs and investing in our public schools. The Senate will no doubt miss his leadership and his passion. I wish him the best in whatever he decides to do next.”
Senate Minority Leader John McKinney is also leaving his seat to run for governor this fall.
