Hartford, CT – Rev. Al Sharpton publicly endorsed Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont for a third term on Thursday, marking a full-circle moment for the pair who first collaborated on a long-shot Senate bid two decades ago. The endorsement came as Sharpton was in the state to deliver a eulogy and during a meeting with the governor and Democratic senators focused on improving police response to mental health crises.
Sharpton’s support signals a significant boost for Lamont as he seeks reelection. The civil rights leader recalled a robust campaign in 2006, at the request of the late Jesse Jackson, where they actively campaigned for Lamont in churches across Connecticut during his challenge to then-Senator Joe Lieberman. Lamont is seeking to become the first Connecticut governor to win a third consecutive four-year term since William A. O’Neill in the 1980s.
Sharpton Recalls 2006 Campaign, Praises Lamont’s Leadership
Sharpton arrived at the State Capitol around 2 p.m. On Thursday, following his appearance at the funeral of Steven Jones, a Hartford man fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis in February. According to police reports, Jones was wielding a knife when officers responded to a call. The incident is currently under investigation, and Sharpton stressed the importance of allowing the criminal justice system to proceed while simultaneously addressing policy changes.
Outside Lamont’s office, Sharpton told reporters, “I’ve known Ned Lamont for many years… I wanted to come by and say hello. I can honestly say as somebody who has been out here a long time, he’s one of the best governors in the country. Jesse liked him and I came behind Jesse and I would not come to Connecticut without trying to come by and see the governor.” Lamont, recalling the 2006 campaign, added with a smile that Sharpton was playfully teased about speaking after him at Black churches, acknowledging Sharpton’s powerful presence.
Focus on Mental Health Crisis Response
The meeting between Sharpton, Lamont, and Democratic senators centered on the demand for improved police training in handling situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. Lamont stated, “More training in general for mental health for our police officers. Gotta have the right response, the appropriate response. They don’t always have that right.” He indicated his support for pending legislation aimed at addressing this issue, with a deadline of May 6 as the General Assembly nears its adjournment.
State Senator Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee, highlighted ongoing efforts since 2019 to improve procedures for interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health concerns. “We need to look at whether we’ve done enough,” Winfield said, emphasizing the need to address trauma experienced by young people that can manifest in crisis situations.
Sharpton echoed the call for policy changes, stating, “There should be guidelines and let the criminal justice system deal with the investigation, but at the same time, let us deal with the policy issues. We’ve had two incidents in Hartford in the last eight days and that calls for some serious analysis of what’s going on here.”
Looking Ahead: Legislative Action and Continued Dialogue
Governor Lamont’s administration is expected to operate closely with the legislature to advance proposals related to mental health training for police officers. The May 6 deadline for the General Assembly will be a key checkpoint in determining the fate of these initiatives. The focus on de-escalation tactics and improved response protocols reflects a growing national conversation about policing and mental health. The governor’s office has not yet released specific details of the pending legislation, but has indicated it will prioritize comprehensive training and clear guidelines for officers responding to mental health calls.
This endorsement from Rev. Sharpton, coupled with the ongoing discussions about police reform, positions mental health crisis response as a central issue in the upcoming election cycle. The governor’s commitment to addressing this issue will likely be a key talking point as he seeks a third term.
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