Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Elliott launched his ‘Build the Future Tour’ in Westville, Connecticut, on Thursday. The event, held at Manjares cafe, drew over 50 people, including former Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett and Hamden Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Sana Shah.

Elliott, a five-term state representative and deputy speaker from Hamden, is challenging incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary on Aug. 11. He has built his campaign around issues like raising taxes on the wealthy, tackling energy monopolies, increasing school funding, and transitioning to single-payer healthcare.

Elliott’s Personal Connection to Single Mothers

During his speech, Elliott noticed a sign that read ‘SINGLE MOTHERS!’ and decided to share his personal experience of being raised by a single mother. He emphasized the struggles that single parents face, including affording transportation, childcare, health insurance, and housing. Elliott’s mother, who lived in a trailer park in her early 20s, eventually started a successful grocery store, and he envisions a society where more people can have the economic stability to overcome similar challenges.

Elliott also called out Gov. Lamont’s recent attempts to rebrand himself as a progressive politician, saying that the governor is trying to ‘co-opt our message’ after holding it back for the last eight years. The candidate’s message resonated with attendees, including Sandra McKinnie, a single mother who has raised her daughter on her own and is now supporting Elliott’s campaign.

McKinnie, who met Elliott at an earlier campaign event, said that she is drawn to his authenticity and his commitment to supporting single mothers. ‘I need real in my life,’ she said. ‘I know that Josh is real. He’s real. He’s tangible. I can touch him. I can feel him. I can talk to him.’

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.