Connecticut governor will not seek re-election to third term

Immediately after Malloy's announcement, the Republican Governors Association said his "toxic legacy" of "destructive anti-jobs, high-tax policies," coupled with his decision not to seek re-election, had created a "top pick-up opportunity" for the GOP in 2018.

Malloy touted his efforts to improve private sector job growth and high school graduation rates, as well as make "commonsense and compassionate changes" to the state's criminal justice system, such as giving nonviolent criminals more opportunities to get drug treatment and successfully reintegrate into society.

Following the Dec. 14, 2012, mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Malloy signed sweeping new restrictions on weapons and ammunition magazines similar to the ones used by the man who fatally shot 20 children and six educators.

Malloy later joined former President Barack Obama in pushing for stronger background checks and other measures on the federal level, eventually chastising the U.S. Senate for failing to pass the legislation, saying the "members who voted against this proposal should be ashamed of themselves."