The mayor of New Britain announced on Monday that she will be exploring a run for governor.

Republican Erin Stewart made the announcement at 11 a.m. over her Facebook account.

“Connecticut is in crisis mode and we need leaders who understand that we must change the way we do business,” Stewart said. “We need leaders who are able to bring together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to make difficult choices in order to get our state moving forward once again. We’ve become too fixated on the negatives.” 

Stewart's name has been linked to a potential gubernatorial run.

Last week, Channel 3 reported that Stewart was set to decide this week whether or not she plans to run for state office.

Her office said it would either be for governor or lieutenant governor.

Stewart for first elected in New Britain back in 2013.

She won re-election as mayor of New Britain back in November.

During the campaign, her opponent, Democrat Merrill Gay, slammed Stewart for her commitment to the office as speculation surrounding a potential run for governor grew.

“Connecticut is in desperate need of a leader who can help restore pride in our state, turn the page, and create a new era of competitiveness, stability, and innovation,” Stewart said. “We cannot afford to waste yet another opportunity to take back our state and set it on a new and better course. Let’s do this.” 

Her campaign website is ErinForCT.com.

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