Gov. Ned Lamont made a surprise announcement Friday, sharing that a top Republican is joining his administration.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton is joining his former Democratic rival's administration as the state's new tax commissioner. The two ran against each other for governor two years ago.

Boughton went viral earlier this year when he named Danbury's sewer plant after HBO host John Oliver. Oliver even came to town for the ribbon cutting.

"I'll certainly give an opinion, but it's only one opinion and the governor has made it clear that he wants opinions from everybody, from all sides of the aisle," Boughton said. "So he'll hear them."

"I thought he could be a great member of our team. I don't want everybody thinking just like me. I like people from the private sector, the public sector, from Hartford, not from Hartford. Republicans and Democrats," said Gov. Lamont.

Boughton starts his new job next Friday.

Danbury City Council President Joe Cavo takes over as mayor for the next year. He is also a Republican.