Sullivan, who filed for candidacy in April, is a resident of Gales Ferry. Originally from Bridgeport, Sullivan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 and served 26 years before retiring as the Base Commander for the Groton/ New London submarine base in August of 2006.

“I am a Navy man, but I am also a Connecticut man,” Sullivan said. “I loved my time in the Navy, loved serving my country, and I also love Connecticut. It is home to me and I care about this state very deeply.”

In the mid-1990s, Sullivan worked on Capitol Hill as the Navy Liaison for the United States Congress, a position that allowed him to work very closely with the nation’s lawmakers. His main responsibility, he said, was to educate members of congress about the inner workings of the United States Navy.

“I believe we need more people in Congress who understand the military, especially during critical ...