WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday released the following statement after Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced that she will not seek re-election next year:

“Denise Merrill has been a mentor and friend for over twenty years, and while I'm sad she won't be running again I know her public service is far from over. Denise has been at the forefront of reforming Connecticut’s election laws over her 12 years as Secretary of the State. In addition, she has been unwavering in her approach to expanding access to the ballot box and making sure Connecticut’s elections are safe and secure. The groundwork that Denise has laid in Hartford will serve as a blueprint for the reforms we are working on in Washington. Her legacy is impressive,” said Murphy. 

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