No Primary, Says New Canaan First Selectman Rob Mallozzi III

NEW CANAAN, CT — Republican First Selectman Rob Mallozzi III said Monday that he will not mount a primary challenge in New Canaan against Kevin Moynihan, who won the party's nomination last week to be the GOP First Selectman candidate.

Mallozzi was seeking his fourth term as New Canaan's First Selectman, and said in a statement that he is too busy with town business and formulating his future plans.

In the days following Moynihan's victory at the Republican caucus, Mallozzi sought a recount of the votes because he only lost by 10, 612 to 602. But party officials denied his request.

Below is Mallozzi's full statement:

I will not be seeking a Primary for the Republican endorsement for First Selectman. I am presently hard at work doing the Town's business and also working on my future plans.

I know a Primary was going forthcoming had I won on Tuesday. However, I could never subject my family, and our community, to any more of the negative rhetoric and dis-harmony a protracted election season could bring should I have followed the path set by other candidates. I am very comfortable with my decision.

I thank all that came out and voted last Tuesday and I am buoyed by the wonderful outreach and encouragement I have received every since.

My best wishes and congratulations to Kevin Moynihan, Nick Williams, Tom Butterworth, John Engel, Rich Townsend and Penny Young for their triumph in the contested races at the Republican Caucus.

Celebrate New Canaan- it's one heck of a town

Rob Mallozzi III

Photo: Rob Mallozzi III