Hartford — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Sunday endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president, saying she has the best experience to lead the country.

Malloy, who will be chairman of the Democratic Governors Association in 2016, made the announcement in a taped interview on WFSB-TV's "Face the State" ahead of his formal endorsement at an afternoon rally with other top state Democratic office holders.

Malloy told WFSB that Clinton has devoted her adult life working on issues, including economic disparity, education reform, caring for children, and expanding access to health care. He said she also has served the nation well as secretary of state in the administration of President Barack Obama.

"She's done great work for America and I'm proud to support her," said Malloy, a longtime Clinton supporter who backed her for the 2008 Democratic nomination Obama won.

Malloy said in a statement released by the state Democratic Party that Clinton "is the best candidate to build on our economic recovery and strengthen the middle class."

The party gathering Sunday also kicked off the state's 2015 municipal campaigns.

Others seeking the Democratic nomination include U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former governors Martin O'Malley of Maryland and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island.