In 2016, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will become chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, the DGA announced Tuesday. Malloy will succeed Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, who was elected the group’s 2015 chair.
The announcement from the Democratic campaign organization came during its annual meeting and holiday party in California. Malloy was on the West Coast for the event Tuesday. Bullock will replace the group’s current chairman, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin.
Malloy has previously served as the organization’s finance chair in 2011. In a statement, Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo said Malloy has become recognized nationally.
“Across the country, the governor is emerging is one of the party’s leaders for not only the tough decisions he’s made and progress he’s already achieved, but because he’s going to keep fighting for working families every day going forward. I would like to congratulate both Governor Bullock and Governor Malloy on their new roles,” she said.
Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Jerry Labriola Jr. released a statement mocking the announcement.
“There are probably better ways to ensure electoral success than picking one of the most unpopular Democratic governors in the country as your leader. It’s certainly not a decision that has worked well for Connecticut, which continues to boast one of the worst economies in the nation,” he said.