'Tony Ran An Energetic, Positive Campaign,' Fairfield Republican Chair Says

FAIRFIELD, CT — The dust has settled after Tuesday's Special Election in Fairfield for First Selectperson, and despite his defeat, Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang, who lost to incumbent First Selectperson Christine Vitale, is staying positive.

In a message to voters, Hwang thanked those who cast ballots, and he hopes the political tenor in Fairfield remains upbeat, even when people disagree.

"The result of this Fairfield First Selectperson special election was not what we hoped for." Hwang wrote. "I’m disappointed, of course. But above all, I am deeply grateful, because something important happened here. People showed up. People spoke. People voted. In a time when too many feel unheard or disillusioned, that matters. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It belongs to the people."

Hwang's comments touched on some of the rancor that crept into some of the discourse during the campaign, but he hopes that residents respect each other in the weeks, months and years ahead.

"But after a divisive campaign, we should also name a hard truth: Fairfield deserves better than the politics we’ve seen and read," Hwang wrote.

"Too often, national anger and party labels tried to crowd out local problem-solving. Personal attacks and insinuations replaced honest debate. Neighbors were pressured to see one another through the lens of “political parties” instead of as a community. That kind of politics is corrosive, not just to one candidate, but to the spirit of Fairfield itself. It discourages good people from serving on boards and commissions, volunteering, or stepping forward to lead. It also teaches our kids the wrong lesson: that public service is something to fear rather than honor, and that attacks are acceptable and the norm.

"We can agree to disagree. We should debate. But we must do it with truth, respect, and decency, because we are still neighbors. We shop in the same stores, cheer on the same students, sit in the same traffic, and walk the same beaches and parks. We share the same hopes: a safe community, strong schools, responsible budgeting, a vibrant downtown, thriving small businesses, and a shoreline protected for the next generation."

Laura Devlin, Chair of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee, told Patch that she is proud of the campaign Hwang ran despite the loss.

"Tony ran an energetic, positive campaign focused on the key issues confronting Fairfield residents: maintaining our town’s character, responsible fiscal management, and strong local leadership," Devlin said. "While the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we respect the voters’ decision and congratulate Christine Vitale on her victory. We wish her success as she continues serving the town.

"As residents who care deeply about this town, we’re proud of the effort Tony and the campaign put forward. The Fairfield RTC will continue working hard to represent our community’s values, promote accountability, and support what makes Fairfield special."

For her part, Vitale said she appreciated the kind words Hwang offered Tuesday night, and she believes the two will continue to work together for the betterment of Fairfield.

"I'm still the First Selectperson, and he's still our state Senator," Vitale told Patch. "There's a lot of work that we need to do together, to keep Fairfield moving forward, and I think we're both committed to making that happen. We both care about our community."

Text of Tony Hwang's post-election remarks:

Dear Friends,

Thank you.

The result of this Fairfield First Selectperson special election was not what we hoped for. I’m disappointed, of course. But above all, I am deeply grateful, because something important happened here. People showed up. People spoke. People voted. In a time when too many feel unheard or disillusioned, that matters. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It belongs to the people.

I congratulate First Selectperson Christine Vitale. For Fairfield’s sake, I want her to succeed. And I will always support efforts that strengthen our town, protect our neighborhoods, and deliver for residents.

But after a divisive campaign, we should also name a hard truth: Fairfield deserves better than the politics we’ve seen and read.

Too often, national anger and party labels tried to crowd out local problem-solving. Personal attacks and insinuations replaced honest debate. Neighbors were pressured to see one another through the lens of “political parties” instead of as a community. That kind of politics is corrosive, not just to one candidate, but to the spirit of Fairfield itself. It discourages good people from serving on boards and commissions, volunteering, or stepping forward to lead. It also teaches our kids the wrong lesson: that public service is something to fear rather than honor, and that attacks are acceptable and the norm.

We can agree to disagree. We should debate. But we must do it with truth, respect, and decency, because we are still neighbors. We shop in the same stores, cheer on the same students, sit in the same traffic, and walk the same beaches and parks. We share the same hopes: a safe community, strong schools, responsible budgeting, a vibrant downtown, thriving small businesses, and a shoreline protected for the next generation.

This campaign was never about titles or power. It was about transparency and solutions impacting our town. It is about kindness. A simple belief that kindness is not weakness. Kindness is a leadership trait. Kindness is the discipline to tell the truth when distortion is easier. Kindness is the courage to listen when emotions run hot. Kindness is the choice to stand your ground with solutions without tearing others down.

To everyone who supported our message, thank you. To our volunteers, thank you for the grit and grace you showed, conversation by conversation. To my wife and family, thank you for carrying the weight of this campaign with grace, love, and strength.

Most importantly, I want everyone to hear this clearly: my commitment to our community does not end with one election result.

I will continue showing up. Listening. Working. Being there, in good times and hard times, to solve problems, defend our quality of life, and bring people together around practical solutions. Because long after the lawn signs come down and the campaign slogans fade, Fairfield is still home. And our neighbors matter more than stereotyping labels.

Let’s lower the temperature. Let’s reject the politics that divide, and let’s prove something powerful about this town we love:

Fairfield can disagree and still be kind. Fairfield can compete and still be one community.