Democrat First Selectman Christine Vitale will serve out her term until at least the 2027 election after defeating Republican challenger State Sen. Tony Hwang in the Tuesday, Feb. 3, special election.
The election was mandated by state law after Hwang, who represents Fairfield, Easton, Bethel and Newtown, collected enough signatures in a petition drive to trigger the special election.
Vitale, who has served in the post since the untimely death of First Selectman Bill Gerber last summer, got 9,563 votes, or 55.83%, compared with Hwang’s 7,522 votes, or 43.91%, according to unofficial results from the secretary of the state’s website . Matthew A. Hallock, a petitioning candidate, got 44 votes, or 0.26%.
Hwang and local Republicans described their campaign as a fight against rising taxes and high-density affordable housing.
Vitale said she was thankful to those who voted in the special election.
“I love serving our community as First Selectperson and am grateful that voters have entrusted me to stay in this role,” she said.
“I am looking forward to continuing the work we started together to keep Fairfield moving forward. Tough decisions will need to be made as we work to keep Fairfield affordable while also maintaining the services that our residents rely upon and keeping Fairfield a welcoming and accessible community for all.”
In a statement, Hwang congratulated Vitale.
“For Fairfield’s sake, I want her to succeed,” he stated. “And I will always support efforts that strengthen our town, protect our neighborhoods, and deliver for residents.”
Vitale has called for improving the town’s infrastructure before projects become more expensive and for developing a plan to prioritize housing and commercial development in areas supported by residents.
