New London -- State Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London, announced Monday he would be running for reelection.

Nolan filed the forms to seek reelection last week with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. If elected, it would be Nolan's third term representing the 39th District. He will begin fund raising for the Citizen's Election Program, which provides public funds to qualified political candidates.

In a phone interview with The Day, Nolan said he didn't have any doubts about running leading up to the announcement.

"I'm just trying to continue what we started and go up there and further fight for things we feel like New London should either have or be part of, especially with the State Pier," Nolan said. "My focus is on jobs for this area, and try and make sure that the training pipeline for jobs starts with considering people from the New London and Groton area."

Nolan also mentioned the additional money secured for the city for hosting State Pier last year through the state's payment in lieu of taxes program. PILOT funds are state reimbursements to municipalities for tax-exempt properties.

"In 2021, Nolan championed reform that established State Pier as state-owned property, providing New London with additional money from the state, and increased the reimbursement rate for properties like State Pier to 100% instead of 45%," stated the news release about his reelection bid. "Throughout his career in the legislature, Nolan has prioritized advancements for racial justice such as declaring racism a public health crisis and a requirement that African American and Puerto Rican History is taught in all public schools."

When former State Rep. Chris Soto resigned in 2019, Nolan ended up taking the seat in a special election. He was reelected in 2020 with more than 75% of the vote.

Monday's news release also touted Nolan's involvement in increasing the minimum wage and in a Paid Family Medical Leave program, which took effect in January.

Nolan and his campaign say they are not aware of a Republican challenger, but Nolan said he expects the party to put someone forward in "another month or so." New London Republican Town Committee Chair Kat Goulart told The Day Monday that no one from the party has announced yet.

The news release states Nolan plans to hold a series of meet and greet events in the spring for the campaign.

"It's been an honor to serve the people of New London over the past three years," Nolan said in the release. "I'm proud of what I've achieved but know there is so much more to do. Our city is booming with development, yet so many families continue to struggle with bills, medical costs and childcare."

Due to state House redistricting, the 40th District, represented by Democrat Christine Conley of Groton, now will have the southern tip of New London and will no longer have part of Ledyard.

s.spinella@theday.com