Vitale Reacts To Electoral Gains By Democrats In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT ? Fairfield Democrats recorded a series of electoral gains in Tuesday's election, securing control of the Town Plan and Zoning Commission for the first time and expanding their majorities on several other municipal bodies, according to unofficial results.

Democrats won every competitive race on the ballot except those governed by minority-representation rules, according to First Selectwoman Christine Vitale. Recounts are expected in three districts for Representative Town Meeting seats, in districts 1, 3 and 8.

"This year?s election showed that the progress we?re making every day under Fairfield Democrats gave our community something to vote for," Vitale said in a statement. "From investing in our children?s education to ensuring our seniors can afford to retire here, these historic results show that our vision is resonating with residents. Together, I can?t wait to keep moving Fairfield forward."

Vitale, who became First Selectwoman following the untimely passing of First Selectman Bill Gerber, was not on the ballot on Tuesday. However, she will face Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang in a special election on Feb. 3.

With Tuesday?s results, Democrats are projected to hold a 5?2 majority on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission, and the party also strengthened its position on the Board of Finance, expanding its majority to 6?3 ? the largest margin permitted by the town charter ? with the elections of Bob Ellwanger, Shane Pendley and Dave Rock. Democrats first won control of the board in 2021 after decades in the minority.

On the Representative Town Meeting, Democrats increased their 31?9 supermajority. Pending recounts in three districts, the caucus is expected to hold as many as 36 of the 40 seats. In District 1, Doug Kniffin became the second Democrat elected to the RTM since Nancy Lefkowitz in 2019. Republicans last held a majority on the body in 2016.

Democrats also led in the Board of Education race, maintaining the party's 5?4 majority, the maximum allowed under minority-representation rules.

"Now that our municipal elections are done, I look forward to governing with our newly elected and re-elected officials," Vitale said. "And at the same time, I hope to keep this momentum going into the special election in February."