Republican Jeff Wright, known as the self-described "Cash Cop'' in his unsuccessful race for state treasurer, is leaving Connecticut to take a job in Texas.
Viewed by some as a rising star in Connecticut Republican circles, the 39-year-old Wright has stepped down as the mayor of Newington. He was touted at times by members of the Gov. M. Jodi Rell administration, and he briefly ran for governor in 2010.
He is moving his family to Houston after taking a new job with Sun Life Insurance Company.
Facing low poll ratings and an uphill battle, Wright dropped out of the governor's race last March - less than two months after officially announcing for the race. Instead, Wright sought and received the Republican nomination for state treasurer against longtime Democratic incumbent Denise Nappier of Hartford, who had won three statewide races for treasurer over the previous 12 years.
Wright said at the time that his experience as a certified financial planner since 1994 gave him the experience to run the state's large pension fund and serve as the state's chief financial officer.