Stewart Unveils Running Mate Amid Investigative Report

Gubernatorial candidate's announcement overshadowed by allegations of impropriety in New Britain

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:02pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured shapes in warm earth tones and cool blues, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The release of an investigative report critical of local government coinciding with a major campaign announcement has heightened tensions in the gubernatorial race.New Britain Today

Republican gubernatorial candidate Erin Stewart introduced her preferred running mate, Rep. Tim Ackert of Coventry, at a press conference that was overshadowed by the release of an investigative report alleging improprieties in the New Britain tax office.

Why it matters

The timing of the investigative report's release, coinciding with Stewart's announcement, has raised concerns about potential political motivations behind the allegations, which Stewart has dismissed as a 'witch hunt'.

The details

The investigative report, the details of which have not been made public, is said to include allegations of improper conduct within the New Britain tax office. Stewart has criticized the report's release as a transparent attempt to undermine her campaign's momentum.

  • On April 15, 2026, Erin Stewart introduced Rep. Tim Ackert as her running mate.
  • Also on April 15, 2026, an investigative report was released alleging improprieties in the New Britain tax office.

The players

Erin Stewart

The Republican gubernatorial candidate who unveiled Rep. Tim Ackert as her running mate.

Rep. Tim Ackert

The state representative from Coventry who was selected by Erin Stewart to be her running mate.

New Britain tax office

The local government office that is the subject of an investigative report alleging improper conduct.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously timing the release of this memo to coincide with today's press conference shows this to be the political witch hunt we've known it to be,”

— Erin Stewart, Republican gubernatorial candidate

The takeaway

This incident highlights the highly charged political environment surrounding the upcoming gubernatorial election, with both sides accusing the other of using investigative tactics for political gain.