Hubert Delany Sworn-In As State Rep. In Stamford's 144th District

STAMFORD, CT — Hubert Delany was sworn-in on Tuesday as a state representative for Stamford's 144th District. He took the oath of office from Secretary of State Denise Merrill in Hartford.

Delany, a Democrat, defeated Republican Danny Melchionne in a special election for the open seat on Jan. 25. According to unofficial results on the Secretary of State's voter results website, Delany tallied 55.66 percent (1,661 votes) of the vote against Melchionne's 44.34 percent (1,323 votes). Both were first time candidates for political office.

The seat opened up after Caroline Simmons was sworn-in as Mayor of Stamford on Dec. 1. Simmons served as a state representative in the 144th District, which covers several neighborhoods such as Turn Of River and Belltown, for seven years prior to becoming Stamford's chief elected official.

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Delany, 28, is a veteran with over six years of experience as a U.S. Army journalist and mass communications specialist.

After his victory on Jan. 25, Delany noted to Patch that getting Stamford schools proper funding for infrastructure improvements will be a top priority as he steps into office. He also said adapting to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic and protecting residents and their families will remain important going forward, along with supporting local businesses.

"There's a bridge that needs to be built and kept up between the legislation that is created for people, and the people that are affected by legislation," Delany said last month.

"[It's] about connecting with people on the ground level and making sure that if they're willing to open the door to democracy and to leadership, that there's going to be leadership on the other side of that door that cares just as much as they do and is willing to work for them."