Full Breakdown
Erin Stewart Suspends Connecticut Gubernatorial Bid Amid Credit-Card Misuse Investigation
5/15/2026, 5:26:45 AM
The Campaign Withdrawal
Former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart announced on Thursday that she is suspending her 2026 gubernatorial campaign. She said the decision allows her to focus on “addressing the claims” arising from an independent investigation into her use of a city-issued purchase card (P-Card) while mayor.
Background & Context
Stewart served as mayor of New Britain from 2013 to 2025. The city’s new Democratic mayor, Bobby Sanchez, ordered a review of Stewart’s P-Card activity after receiving complaints about the mayor’s office. The review was conducted by the Crumbie Law Group, a private firm previously hired to investigate the city’s tax-collector office. Connecticut’s governorship has been held by Democrats since 2011, and Stewart was a front-runner for the Republican nomination ahead of the state convention.
Data & Statistics
- Total P-Card charges (June 2016 – Nov 2025): $207,076.07.
- Vendor breakdown: $47,582 (Amazon), $19,260 (The Hartford Club), $19,222 (Costco), ? $7,000 (Instacart), remainder spread across other vendors.
- $123,018 (? 59 % of purchases) lacked supporting receipts.
- City budget was exceeded for office supplies in 9 of 10 years and for administrative expenses in 8 of 10 years, totaling $71,299.18 over budget.
- Reimbursements to the city amounted to $456.07 (personal Uber rides) and $1,472.92 from charitable entities, a fraction of the alleged misuse.
Why It Matters
The allegations strike at the center of the Republican effort to unseat incumbent Democrat Gov. Ned Lamont. Stewart’s withdrawal removes a candidate who had secured more than 3,000 individual donors and could have qualified for nearly $3 million in public campaign financing. The findings also raise potential civil and criminal liability under statutes covering fraud, larceny, embezzlement, false statements, wire fraud, and misuse of government property.
Official Statements & Responses
- Erin Stewart: Said she will “take accountability for any mistakes” and intends “full and complete restitution” to New Britain.
- Bobby Sanchez: Called the report “outrageous,” affirmed that the findings will be referred to the Chief State’s Attorney and the U.S. Attorney, and pledged to restore public trust.
- Gov. Ned Lamont: Acknowledged “serious allegations” and urged the public to await the outcome of investigations.
- Republican Party Chair Ben Proto and Rep. Vincent Candelora praised Stewart’s decision as appropriate for the party and the state.
- Sen. Ryan Fazio endorsed Stewart’s withdrawal and pledged to unite the GOP behind his own candidacy.
Criticism & Opposition
Sen. Ryan Fazio labeled Stewart’s conduct “disqualifying,” citing personal purchases of club memberships, clothing, and birthday gifts. Matt Corey, a lieutenant-governor candidate, commended Stewart for stepping aside but warned that misuse of public funds undermines voter confidence. Democratic officials, including Gov. Lamont, emphasized the need for thorough investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Stewart maintains that all expenditures were “budgeted, submitted, and subject to annual audit.” The Crumbie report disputes this, noting missing documentation for the majority of charges and a pattern of personal use. No criminal charges have been filed; state police, the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad, and the FBI have opened parallel investigations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I take the allegations that have been made against me very seriously, and for that reason, I am suspending my gubernatorial campaign effective immediately so that I can focus on addressing those claims,” — Erin Stewart, campaign statement
- “The findings outlined in this investigation are outrageous.” — Bobby Sanchez, mayor of New Britain
- “There were some serious allegations, we’ve got to get to the bottom of that,” — Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut
- “Erin Stewart’s conduct is disqualifying,” — Ryan Fazio, state senator
- “I cannot change the past, but I can make the next right decision — and this is it.” — Erin Stewart, social-media post
- “The misuse of taxpayer funds reflected in the evidence raises concerns that extend well beyond administrative misconduct and may expose the individuals involved to significant civil and criminal liability under both state and federal law,” — Crumbie Law Group report
What’s Next
The City of New Britain has referred the matter to the Chief State’s Attorney and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. State police and federal investigators are reviewing the evidence. Stewart’s campaign finances will be audited, and any restitution will be determined through legal channels. The Republican convention proceeds without her, shaping the party’s 2026 gubernatorial strategy.
