Simmons expected to bow out of Conn. Senate race, days after pledging challenge in primary

Simmons expected to bow out of Conn. Senate race

NEW LONDON, Conn. — Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons is expected to withdraw from Connecticut’s U.S. Senate race, days after pledging to challenge wrestling executive Linda McMahon in a Republican primary.

Simmons has scheduled a news conference Tuesday in New London to make an announcement on the future of his Senate campaign.

A Republican with knowledge of Simmons’ plans tells The Associated Press that the one-time front-runner in the Senate race is expected to announce he’s withdrawing.

Simmons narrowly lost the GOP nomination Friday to McMahon. Shortly afterward, he said he would challenge McMahon in the August primary, reversing an earlier promise not to wage a primary if he did not receive the GOP endorsement.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal captured the Democratic nomination despite recent criticism for misstating his military record.