HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) John McKinney, the Republican leader of the Connecticut Senate, says he is running for governor in 2014.

The eight-term Fairfield lawmaker announced his candidacy on Tuesday in a news release emailed to reporters. The statement said McKinney has filed the necessary paperwork to open a candidate committee and begin collecting contributions to qualify for the state's public campaign financing program.

His Senate district includes Newtown, Easton, Weston and Fairfield among other towns.

McKinney said he believes there is a better way to manage state government, restore economic prosperity and reduce unemployment. He said Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has been taking Connecticut's economy ``in the wrong direction.''

Malloy has not yet announced whether he will seek a second term.

The 49-year-old McKinney is the son of the late 4th District Rep. Stewart B. McKinney. He has been Senate Minority leader since 2007.