HARTFORD, Conn. — Editor's Note: The video above was published on June 17, 2021.
State Rep. Brandon McGee is stepping down to help get Gov. Ned Lamont reelected, according to an announcement on his social media pages.
McGee, a Democrat who represents the 5th district which includes Hartford and Windsor, told FOX61 News is resignation is effective immediately on Friday.
In a statement, McGee stated that he had seen the work Lamont did over the course of the pandemic for the state including investing in communities, growing the economy, and overseeing the "best-in-the-nation COVID response."
"I thank the residents of the 5th district for putting their faith in me for nearly ten years, but fortunately, my work serving our state will not stop. I am excited to continue my service to my community and the state of Connecticut by working to re-elect Gov. Lamont, building on the progress we have made together," he said in a series of tweets.
"I have known Ned for years. I've walked the streets of Hartford with him. He is someone I believe in, and someone we must continue to support to move our state forward and keep moving in the right direction. I can't wait to get started," McGee said.
A Hartford native, 37-year-old McGee has served four terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives. He was first elected to office in 2012.
In 2019, he sought to unseat Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin during the Democratic primary.
RELATED: The Real Story | Bill that would declare racism as a public health crisis moves to Lamont's desk
As a member of the House, McFee served as chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and currently serves as co-chairman of the legislature's housing committee.
A special election will be held to fill the rest of his current term, which runs through January 2023.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.