Stamford Democrats Endorse Caroline Simmons For Mayor

STAMFORD, CT — On Sunday, the Democratic City Committee narrowly voted to endorse State Rep. Caroline Simmons over two-term incumbent David Martin for mayor of Stamford. Simmons received 21 votes, and Martin tallied 19.

Simmons spoke briefly after her endorsement became official, and called it "an incredible honor" and said she was "humbled" by the support.

"I couldn't be more optimistic about the future of Stamford and all the potential and possibility that lies ahead for our city," Simmons told delegates gathered at the Stamford Government Center. "As we come out of this pandemic, we need to make sure that we're doing everything we can to come together as a city, and make sure those who are hit hardest are not left behind and that we're lifting up all voices around this city. We have such an incredibly talent, diverse population in Stamford."

Simmons also thanked Martin for his years of service to the city. Shortly after the endorsement, Martin released a statement announcing that his campaign is ready to collect signatures in order to qualify for the Stamford Democratic primary on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

In order to qualify for the primary ballot, Martin needs to gather signatures from 1,675 registered Democrats in Stamford, equivalent to 5% of all registered Democrats in the city. The signatures need to be turned in to the Stamford Democratic Registrar of Voters’ office no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 11.

"In 2013 when I ran and was elected Mayor of our City of Stamford, I was the underdog. But we beat the well-funded Hartford establishment that offered typical political campaign rhetoric and promises," Martin said in a news release. "Today in 2021 my record speaks for itself — this administration has done an excellent job restoring and improving Stamford while keeping taxes low, successfully managing our city, bringing strong economic growth, and keeping people safe through a once in a century pandemic. But I am once again the underdog running against the well-funded political establishment and special interests. We will win again."

Martin added that although Stamford has seen "great success", there's more work to be done.

"Our city still faces difficult and complex challenges that require a proven and experienced leader focused on serving the people of Stamford. I am happy to have that conversation with any Democrat casting a ballot on Sept. 14. The voters of Stamford deserve a choice on their primary ballots, and we will give it to them."

Independent mayoral candidate Bobby Valentine said in a statement to Patch that the close vote against Martin "highlights an unfortunate divide" in the community.

"It reinforces the belief of many in Stamford, including me, that our city is being run by a small group on the Democratic City Committee. I’m running unaffiliated so that we may finally have a transparent governing structure that works for all of us."

DCC member Reischea Canidate-Kapasouris nominated Simmons before the vote on Sunday, and called her a "sharp, savvy, soft-spoken, yet impeccably strong woman that has the will to get the job done for Stamford residents."

Canidate-Kapasouris added that Simmons' experience as a State Representative for the 144th District would serve her well as mayor. Simmons was elected as a State Rep. in 2014.

"Her experience at the state level gives Stamford a very viable bridge of getting what Stamford needs from the capital with her understanding of what's happening at the capital or how to communicate with people there," Canidate-Kapasouris said.

"Yes, she is a woman, and Caroline Simmons is a fierce, intelligent, amazing, hard working woman. Let's face it, to succeed as a woman, in and of itself, is a pretty high standard skill, because women have to do twice as much, sometimes three times as much, for the same recognition and opportunity as their given male counterpart," Canidate-Kapasouris said.

Keith Silver nominated Martin, and highlighted his leadership since 2013, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Using every single metric you could use to measure a city's progress, Stamford is doing fantastically well. He has done this by being fiscally responsible," Silver said. "He has managed the city in a terrific manner, as I see it. When he came into office, Stamford had many long festering problems, but he has put Stamford in a wonderful space going forward."

Silver also argued that Martin would be a stronger candidate against Valentine, with a track record and name recognition to compete with the former Major League Baseball manager and longtime Stamford resident.