Malloy has faced numerous challenges over the past 3 1/2 years, including a massive budget deficit, numerous storms and the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. While he contends the state's slow economy is improving and thousands of new private-sector jobs have been created under his watch, public opinion polls show his decision to raise taxes in 2011 and his handling of the economy remain unpopular with voters. While never holding public office, Foley served as a former U.S.