Herbst Won't Run for Trumbull First Selectman Again

TRUMBULL, CT — Republican First Selectman Tim Herbst won't run for re-election this year as he prepares for the 2018 statewide race.

"I ran for first selectman eight years ago because I saw our town government heading in the wrong direction," Herbst said. "Those who know me understand, when I see a problem, I have to try and fix it."

Herbst was first elected as first selectman in 2009 at the age of 29, the youngest in Trumbull's history. To sign up for Trumbull breaking news alerts and more, click here.

"But while our town made the hard choices to ensure a better future and to deliver the best results for local taxpayers, insiders in Hartford have brought Connecticut nothing short of economic calamity," Herbst said.

Herbst ran a close race for state treasurer in 2014 and narrowly lost to longtime Democrat incumbent Denise Nappier. He has formed an exploratory committee for statewide office, including a potential gubernatorial run.

Herbst narrowly won by 357 votes in the last municipal election held in 2015. More recently he has been advocating for a proposal to establish a community center in town and potentially sell off other town property. Some Democrats have come out against the proposal and Herbst sparred with a couple on Twitter recently.

He has been a vocal critic of Gov. Dannel Malloy and capitol politics in general.

The first selectman recently was diagnosed with early-stage thyroid cancer and had his thyroid removed.

Fellow town Republicans were quick to offer Herbst praise.

"Tim's leadership has brought Trumbull's financial health to it's strongest position ever," said Trumbull Board of Finance chairman Elaine Hammers. "The State of Connecticut needs to follow his example."

“Tim’s been a great leader and ambassador for Trumbull. He’s brought great advancements and growth during a down economic time. The quality of life in Trumbull, in all facets, has never been better," said Trumbull Town Council chairman Carl Massaro.