SHARE

Former NBA Star Joins Ganim's Starting Lineup

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A former NBA star is the latest recruit for Team Ganim.

Wes Matthews Sr.

Wes Matthews Sr.

Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

Former Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim’s campaign announced Thursday that Wes Matthews Sr. has also joined his starting lineup as a candidate for sheriff in the fall mayoral election. 

“I’m a living product of this city, even though it’s not the city I once knew,” Matthews said in a statement. “This used to be a beautiful town, and I want to help us get back to that. I want to do my part to improve the city I love.”

Longtime Town Clerk Alma Maya and City Clerk Fleeta Hudson joined Ganim’s ticket earlier this month, The Daily Voice previously reported.

Wednesday, Matthews canvassed the P.T. Pavilion area of Bridgeport to earn signatures to get Ganim on the ballot for the September primary after Ganim narrowly lost the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement Tuesday night.

NBC Sports said Matthews was an exceptional basketball player at the University of Wisconsin. He went to to spend nine seasons in the NBA and won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Matthews attended Harding High School and is also the father of NBA star and Dallas Mavericks guard Wes Matthews Jr.

"I'm excited and honored to have Wes join the ticket,” Ganim said in a statement. “He’s a proven champion. And we're gonna take that winning attitude to the voters with a full-court press. His passion and love for the city is exactly what we need to get Bridgeport moving again."

Ganim, who was mayor of Bridgeport from 1991 to 2003, served seven years in federal prison on bribery and corruption charges.

Basketball stars have entered politics in the past. Dave Bing, a basketball Hall of Famer, previously served as mayor of Detroit. 

to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE