Former Darien First Selectman Announces Candidacy For Congress

DARIEN, CT — Former Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson announced Monday she will run against U.S. Rep. Jim Himes in the race for the state's fourth congressional district seat.

Stevenson previously served as Darien's first selectman for ten years but decided not to seek re-election last year. Monica McNally was later elected to the position.

In a statement, Stevenson said watching escalating international tensions "come to a head with the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a startling reminder of how precious and fragile our own democratic republic is."

Stevenson also noted she stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and hoped for "a swift end to the chaos abroad."

"Global tensions exacerbate growing domestic crises making today's America unrecognizable to me," Stevenson said in a statement. "Skyrocketing food and gas prices, rising crime, mental health and education are all weighing on the hearts and minds of American families. Through all this, there is misplaced focus on extremism and click-bait headlines more than on coming together to find solutions to the serious problems we face. I know you share these same concerns. There is an alternative to the political insanity."

Stevenson made note of her time spent serving Darien residents as first selectman, as well as others throughout Connecticut during her 12 years of public service.

"I have managed to bring people together in Darien, throughout the region and across the state over my 12 years of public service and to successfully lead through a global pandemic," Stevenson said. "Managing a local government, I worked to keep residents safe and to ensure a sustainable cost of living through responsible budgeting. I'm running for Congress to bring that same success as your experienced, steady voice in Washington."

The fourth congressional district consists of 17 cities and towns in southwestern Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Oxford, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton, as well as the western portion of Shelton.

She challenges Himes for the position, to which he was first elected 14 years ago in 2008.

"As I listen to our community members," Stevenson said, "I hear concerns over the rising cost of food, gas and healthcare, the deterioration of public safety and mental health as well as the crises in our public schools. People are longing for less government; one that works to protect our safety and freedom."

Stevenson also noted she hoped to bring positive change to the district if elected.

"I am ready to connect, communicate and find better solutions for southwestern Connecticut," Stevenson said. "I am running for Congress to bring principled, bridge-building leadership to Washington and to inspire healthier discussions that garner better results for Connecticut."