Darien First Selectman Monica McNally Will Not Seek Re-Election

DARIEN, CT — After one term in office, First Selectman Monica McNally will not seek re-election as Darien's chief elected official.

Instead, McNally will transition to a selectman running-mate with Jon Zagrodzky, a current Republican selectman and former Board of Finance chair who will now seek the town's top spot.

The announcement came following the Darien Republican Town Committee's monthly meeting on July 12 in which the 21-member political body completed months of meetings and interviews with candidates for local positions that will be up for grabs in November.

"Serving as your First Selectman has been an immense honor, and I want to thank the Republican Town Committee and all those who have supported me along the way in this role," McNally said in a statement released by the Darien RTC. "I have reached my decision not to seek re-election as First Selectman of Darien after thoughtful reflection, which brings with it a deep sense of appreciation for what we have achieved together in our community. It has been a privilege to serve Darien."

McNally went on to say that she's "thrilled" the Republican selectmen slate will stay intact; Selectman Marcy Minnick will run for another term.

"Together, we will continue our commitment to serving Darien and building on the progress we've made over the last two years," McNally said. "My title may change, but my commitment to our shared vision for Darien never will. Thank you for your trust, your friendship and your unwavering dedication to our community."

McNally first served on the Representative Town Meeting for eight years before filling a vacancy on the Board of Selectmen in 2021. In November of that year, she was elected as First Selectman and succeeded Jayme Stevenson.

Under McNally's leadership, the town was able to acquire Great Island, a 60-plus acre parcel of land on the Long Island Sound, for $85 million.

The Darien RTC touted other accomplishments, such as fostering collaboration between schools, Post 53 and multiple non-profits, and addressing mental health needs with the creation of the Mental Health Task Force. The political body also commended McNally for her work on the municipal side of the budget.

In comments to Patch, Zagrodzky called McNally "a remarkable individual."

"Her capacity for empathy, kindness and understanding is endless. But she is also a smart and tenacious leader, someone who has always put Darien's interests first. I consider her a close friend, and I am truly gratified that she wants to remain a member of the Board of Selectmen," Zagrodzky said. "As for her legacy, it is clear that the Great Island acquisition will forever be at the top of the list, and I know she will focus on its success in the coming term. I would add that her legacy should also include the example she has set for us all: tough, principled and compassionate leadership. It has been a privilege to serve with her."

In a statement from the Darien RTC, Zagrodzky noted that he's "very enthusiastic" about his candidacy.

"I look forward to offering a vision for the town at a campaign kick-off that Monica, Marcy and I will hold in the very near future," he said.

Darien RTC Chair Rachel Taylor also thanked McNally, noting that she ran the town of Darien "with compassion and exemplary leadership."

"Whether using her years of experience on RTM’s Public Works Committee to inform meaningful and necessary changes to mitigate the dangers of town flooding or helping residents navigate town government services, she always stands ready to assist," Taylor said in a statement.

"We are pleased that Monica will continue as a Selectman with the team of Jon Zagrodzky and Marcy Minnick, and we welcome her future focus on realizing the full potential of Great Island. Monica’s commitment to conservation and a long-term vision for future generations will benefit residents of Darien in perpetuity."

The Darien RTC will hold its caucus proceedings on July 25 at 6 p.m. in the Darien Town Hall auditorium.

The party and Darien Republican electors will hear any petitions to nominations before voting to endorse a full slate of candidates.

According to Darien Times, the Darien Democratic Committee has nominated current selectmen Sarah Neumann and Michael Burke for re-election, but did not name a candidate for First Selectman.

Read more from Darien Times

— This story contains reporting from Patch editor RJ Scofield