Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra is off and running for a second term. Segarra came in for a taping of Face the State for the first time since becoming an official candidate, after strongly suggesting he would seek a second term during in appearance last fall. During the interview Segarra laid out his case for re-election, and talked about his first five years in office.

Segarra likely faces challenges from within in his own Democratic party. Attorney John Gale has already launched an exploratory campaign, and city clerk John Bazzano, Judge Robert Killian, attorney Luke Bronin and city council member David MacDonald are all reportedly considering bids.

Most recently, Bronin worked as legal counsel to Governor Malloy, which begs the question, would the governor try to clear the field for his friend, by offering Segarra a state job? Segarra can point to several accomplishments during his leadership, and as the Hartford Courant pointed out “it would be a mistake to take him lightly.” And remember, the governor stepped in back in 2011 to snuff out a battle between the mayor and Shawn Wooden, who was interested in the mayor’s office that year.

I asked Segarra about a scenario like that and he told me he has a great relationship with the governor, but would turn any offer down and that he is committed to running for re-election. Watch the interview right here: http://www.wfsb.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=11022712

Watch our interview with John Gale right here: https://dennishouse.tv/2014/12/19/hartford-mayoral-race-john-gale/