This new year features a presidential midterm with Governor Ned Lamont seeking his third, four-year term, as well as elections for state legislature and congressional offices.
But it’s not too soon to pontificate the 2027 municipal season with Mayor Joe Ganim likely seeking another four-year term.
Likely opponents? Too soon to say but John Gomes who gave Ganim a run in that most peculiar 2023 mayoral election that extended into the winter of 2024 with Ganim finally prevailing after a blizzard of absentee ballots made headlines and a court-ordered redo, seems like he’s gearing up for another run based on his public appearances round town.
City Councilman Jorge Cruz, who represents South End, West End and Downtown, says he’s filing the paperwork for an exploratory run for mayor that poises him to raise money and gauge viability. Gomes proved mightily he could raise money to compete in 2023, backed by anti-Ganim interests.
In the next few months Ganim will kick up his fundraising operation. He’ll have plenty of dough to make his case.
Cruz and Ganim have had an up and down relationship, more down in recent years, Cruz supported Gomes in 2023, although both say all the rights things when paired together at news conferences to announce district progress.
The 131 Council District that Cruz represents features many city assets including the amphitheater, arena, University of Bridgeport, Seaside Park, central business district and the property of the former power plant under cleanup following its implosion.
So, what’s Cruz’s beef with Ganim? Cruz often chronicles on his Facebook page the disconnect between the role of the chief executive and legislative body. Cruz supported Jeanette Herron in her recent defeat of Aidee Nieves for the City Council presidency.
Raising money is a labor-intensive slog. Cruz will require help to make a fundraising impression. By profession he knows what it’s like to help lift up people in the recovery community.
One thing about Jorge, he allows no one to stick a rag in his mouth. If he has something to say he says it, damn the consequences. So for sure, he’ll make things lively.
From Cruz Facebook page:
Good morning my beautiful Facebook family and friends. Well as this year 2025 is coming to an end and I am grateful for the many blessings that my God bestowed upon me .
Now in a few days I’ll be going to the Town Clerk’s office to submit my paperwork for my Exploratory Committee for Mayor of Bridgeport CT. Yes I’m about to take a bold step forward to engage our people from all over Bridgeport CT .
I was brought to the city of Bridgeport CT when I was a little boy of five years young and Bridgeport is in my DNA. Even when I moved out to Massachusetts Bridgeport CT was always on my mind and in my heart . Now I have been a city councilman for six years and based on what I have experienced I am stepping forward with Gods guidance. And I’m looking forward to talking with you.
Happy New Year to you and your family. WEEPA WEEPA
I don’t know about WEEPA, but a Joe Ganim WHIP-ASS sounds good to me.
Jorge better get his absentee game in order,cause Joe’s operation is unstoppable even with all the indictments,it’s next man or woman up time from the Testa/ Ganim operation..I’m sure there are many volunteers.
I hear you when you say, “We in traub(le)”.
One step at a time! This is far from the AB stage. The petitioning process alone is a challenge. As you know, the AB operation goes both ways. The AB operatives shall be better covered up than ICE Agents and operate like the ghosts at Mountain Grove Cemetary. Warning: I have a dozen Alfredo Castillo masks ready to go.
Jorge Cruz has made the first and most important decision-start early. Message, Operation, and Money (M.O.M.).
Name recognition is key. Cruz is among the shortest Spanish last names and being an elected official is a boost. Lessons of past elections should be among the first Cruz needs to keep in mind along the journey. Plan as if Gomes or others will be running. DON’T TRUST OIB are just a few free advices.
Hey Harvey, why you keep saying “indictments”? Is there something you’d like to share?