Lamont Calls for McCrory to Step Back from Senate Leadership

Governor Ned Lamont called Monday for Hartford Senator Doug McCrory to “step back” from his leadership position in the state Senate following a damaging audit of the legislator’s nonprofit organizations.

The governor’s comments at a press conference in Hartford marked an unusual public intervention into legislative leadership matters, as governors typically avoid weighing in on internal General Assembly decisions.

“I think it would be appropriate for Senator McCrory to step back from his leadership role while these issues get sorted out,” Lamont said. “Connecticut residents deserve full confidence in their elected officials.”

McCrory, who represents Hartford’s 2nd Senate District and serves as deputy president pro tempore, has faced mounting scrutiny following a state audit that questioned financial practices at two nonprofits he founded. The audit found inadequate documentation for expenditures and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

The Hartford Democrat did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney’s office said leadership would “review the governor’s comments” but declined further comment.

The audit, released earlier this month, examined McCrory’s Amistad America and Hartford Community Investment Corp., which received more than $1.2 million in state funding between 2019 and 2023. State auditors found missing receipts, unclear vendor relationships, and questioned whether some expenditures aligned with the organizations’ stated missions.

“The documentation provided was insufficient to determine if all expenditures were for legitimate business purposes,” state auditors wrote in their report.

The findings have created political headaches for Democratic leadership, which controls both chambers of the General Assembly by comfortable margins. Several Democratic lawmakers privately expressed concern that the controversy could damage the party’s reputation heading into municipal elections this fall.

McCrory, first elected to the Senate in 2014, previously served eight years in the state House of Representatives. He chairs the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

The senator’s nonprofits focused on community development and youth programs in Hartford’s North End, an area that has struggled with poverty and disinvestment. Amistad America operated programs aimed at reducing gun violence and providing job training, while Hartford Community Investment Corp. worked on neighborhood revitalization projects.

Lamont’s call for McCrory to reduce his leadership role represents the latest example of the governor taking public positions on controversial Politics & Government issues involving Democratic allies. Last year, Lamont suspended farm equipment tax collection after facing pressure from agricultural groups, demonstrating his willingness to reverse course when facing criticism.

Republican lawmakers seized on the audit findings to criticize Democratic oversight of state funding. Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly called for a broader review of nonprofit organizations receiving state grants.

“This audit raises serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being distributed and monitored,” Kelly said. “We need transparency and accountability at every level.”

Good government advocates praised Lamont’s intervention while calling for stronger oversight mechanisms. Tom Swan, executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, said the governor’s comments send an important message about ethical standards.

“Public officials must be held to the highest standards of accountability,” Swan said. “When questions arise about financial practices involving taxpayer money, leadership positions should be secondary to getting answers.”

The controversy comes as the General Assembly prepares for the 2026 legislative session, which begins February 3. Democratic leaders face pressure to address the McCrory situation before lawmakers return to the State Capitol, as Republican opponents are likely to raise the issue during budget debates.

Senate rules do not require McCrory to step down from his leadership position, and removal would require action by the full Democratic caucus. The deputy president pro tempore position carries additional responsibilities for scheduling legislation and representing the chamber at official events.

McCrory’s Hartford district includes parts of the North End and surrounding neighborhoods that have received significant state investment in recent years. His political future could impact Democratic efforts to maintain support in urban communities that form a key part of the party’s electoral coalition.

The state auditor’s office has referred its findings to the Office of State Ethics and state Attorney General William Tong’s office for potential further investigation. Both agencies confirmed they are reviewing the audit but declined to comment on specific next steps.

Lamont said Monday he expects a “thorough review” of the issues raised in the audit. The governor noted that his administration has strengthened grant oversight procedures since taking office in 2019, including requiring more detailed financial reporting from nonprofit recipients.

“We take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously,” Lamont said. “When concerns arise, we address them head-on.”

The Senate Democratic caucus is scheduled to meet Tuesday morning, where McCrory’s status is expected to be discussed. Leadership could announce a decision on his role as deputy president pro tempore before the legislative session begins next week.