Signatures Certified In Fairfield Petition For Special Election For First Selectman

FAIRFIELD, CT — The petition signatures have been certified, and Fairfield will hold a special election this fall for First Selectman. Fairfield Town Clerk Betsy Browne notified the Board of Selectmen Wednesday of the need for the special election.

A total of 2,029 signatures were needed, or 5 percent of the town's registered voters, and local Republicans, who spearheaded the petition drive, ended up having more than 2,900 signatures certified, Browne told Patch.

Incumbent Democratic First Selectwoman Christine Vitale will face off against Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang in the special election, the date of which has not yet been determined, but could be Nov. 4.

The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet on Sept. 17, and could determine a date for the special election at that time. The town is already slated to vote on seven Charter Revision questions on Election Day, Nov. 4.

In a statement to Patch, Vitale said she is looking forward to sharing her vision for Fairfield with voters.

"Now that the special election has been called, I look forward to connecting with voters to not only share my vision for Fairfield’s future, but also to hear what is important to them," Vitale said. "That said, my number one priority remains on leading our Town government as First Selectman and keeping our town moving forward. I am focused on fighting the current UI Monopole project plan, finalizing a capital plan that funds key infrastructure improvements, continuing to modernize town operations and maximizing the talents of our employees. I am dedicated to finishing the work First Selectman Gerber and I started, while also engaging with residents to set new goals for the future."

Read More:

• Fairfield First Selectman Remembered As Dedicated Public Servant In Celebration Of Life Event
• Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber Dies, Family Says They Are 'Heartbroken'
• Fairfield Mourns Loss Of First Selectman Bill Gerber
• No Movement On Filling Of Late Fairfield First Selectman's Post
• Signatures Being Gathered For First Selectman Special Election In Fairfield
• State Sen. Tony Hwang Announces Bid For Fairfield First Selectman
• Vitale Seeks To Complete Term Of Late Fairfield First Selectman Gerber

Laura Devlin, chair of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee, said in a statement that the petition effort was about giving residents a voice in who their leaders are.

"This extraordinary showing of civic engagement proves what we already know: Fairfield residents care deeply about their community and their right to vote," said Devlin said. "The message is clear: our town is stronger when the people choose our leaders."

Hwang, the only Republican vying for the post, said his campaign is about uniting Fairfield. He was formally endorsed by the party to run for the seat.

"I am profoundly grateful to the people of Fairfield and Southport for their overwhelming support in demanding a special election," Hwang said. "From the very beginning, my principle has been clear: people before politics. As your endorsed candidate for First Selectman, I will lead with integrity, listen with respect, and work tirelessly every day to build consensus and deliver results. Together, we are showing that Fairfield is united, determined, and ready to build a stronger future for everyone."

Vitale and the late First Selectman Bill Gerber were elected in November 2023, defeating Republican incumbent First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick and Brian Farnen.

Gerber passed away in July at the age of 60 from complications following surgeries to remove a brain tumor, but before he entered the hospital, he designated Vitale as Acting First Selectwoman. She was later formally installed in the position to finish out his term, which expires in November 2027.

Steve Sheinberg, chair of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, told Patch that Vitale is more than up for the challenge of retaining her post.

"First Selectman Christine Vitale has hit the ground running with the grace, collaboration, and vision to lead Fairfield and continue to help our community heal," Sheinberg said. "She brings a proud record of dedicated local service, and the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee is ready to help her run a strong campaign to remain our First Selectman.

"The voters of Fairfield already chose her to lead alongside Bill Gerber until 2027. We are confident they will stand with her once again, choosing the stability, continuity, and the proven, bipartisan leadership needed to unite our community and lead Fairfield into the future."