Oberlander Becomes 2nd Democrat To Capture 36th State Senate District In Nearly 100 Years

GREENWICH, CT — Democrats scored wins in races across the country on Election Day, including in Greenwich, where Jill Oberlander became just the second Democrat since the 1930s to win the 36th State Senate District.

According to unofficial results from the CT Secretary of the State, Oberlander tallied 22,896 votes. Republican Joe Kelly had 18,761 votes. The 36th State Senate District covers Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan.

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In 2018, Alex Kasser became the first Democrat to win the district since the 1930s. She won re-election in November 2020 and later resigned in June 2021.

Outgoing state Sen. Ryan Fazio, this year's Republican gubernatorial candidate, won a special election in August 2021. He was re-elected in 2022 and 2024.

"I am deeply honored and grateful that the voters of the 36th District have placed their trust in me," Oberlander said in a statement on Wednesday. "I don't take that responsibility lightly."

An attorney, Oberlander's volunteerism in Greenwich has included the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting, the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Board of Selectmen.

In her Patch candidate profile before the election, Oberlander said she was seeking office "to make people's lives better and to make sure our government works for the residents of the 36th district and the State of Connecticut."

"Now, the real work begins. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the challenges we face," Oberlander said Wednesday. "We need to make Connecticut more affordable, support our businesses, and care for our most vulnerable residents. The 36th District and our state can be an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and retire."

Oberlander said her campaign was about "values," and she thanked volunteers who helped bring her to victory.

"Together we built something that will last beyond election night," she said.

Kelly, who has served on the RTM, Board of Education and BET, as well as on the Central Middle School, Cardinal Stadium and Julian Curtiss Building Committees, posted a video Wednesday from his boat on the Long Island Sound thanking his supporters.

"That was a fun election. I wish the result was a little more favorable, but we had a great time, we had a great team, and thanks to everybody who helped," Kelly said. "Sorry we didn't win. I'm happy all you guys were able to support, and we'll see what comes up next; whatever exciting adventure happens ahead, we'll see if we can take that on have some fun with it as well. Thank you, everybody."

State Reps. Hector Arzeno (D-150) and Steve Meskers (D-151), whose districts are in Greenwich, were re-elected Tuesday. Tina Courpas, a Republican, was re-elected to represent the 149th District, which covers a portion of Greenwich and Stamford.

Across the state, Democrats flipped several Senate seats and over 20 House districts.

With a recount pending in the 34th Senate District, Senate Democrats will hold at least 32 of the Senate's 36 seats.

At the top, Gov. Ned Lamont won a third term. All five Democratic congressional candidates were elected, too: Luke Bronin (CT-1), Joseph Courtney (CT-2), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4), and Jahana Hayes (CT-5).

Also winning re-election were Democrats Attorney General William Tong, Sec. of State Stephanie Thomas, Treasurer Erick Russell, and Comptroller Sean Scanlon.