Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris resigned Monday in a letter to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, just days after the governor announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2018.
Harris, 53, a former state senator and mayor, has expressed an interest in running for the Democratic nomination for governor. Stepping down from the executive branch post would be necessary to proceed with filing paperwork for a gubernatorial bid.
Harris was appointed to the Consumer Protection agency in December 2014 after helping lead the Connecticut Democratic Party through Malloy’s 2014 re-election campaign. Last summer, as part of a court settlement, the party agreed to pay a $325,000 fine to election regulators for using the party’s federal funds to pay for mailers supporting Malloy, who was a publicly financed candidate.
Harris, who has practiced law for more than 20 years, will be replaced by his deputy, Michelle H. Seagull. According to a press release from Malloy, Seagull will serve in the position of acting commissioner until a permanent successor is named.
Harris has indicated that he wouldn’t seek the Democratic nomination if Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman decides to run.