Weinstein Won’t Run As Third-Party West Haven Mayoral Candidate

WEST HAVEN, CT — Republican Paige Weinstein announced Wednesday that she won’t run for mayor as a third-party candidate in the November municipal election.

Weinstein, who received the Republican Town Committee’s endorsement in July, lost to challenger Barry Lee Cohen in Tuesday’s primary election. Cohen received 708 votes, while Weinstein had 381, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of the State’s Office.

Weinstein could have appeared on the ballot in the municipal election for a newly formed party called Westies for Change, however, she said she will “respect the decision of the West Haven Republican voters.”

Weinstein issued the following statement on Tuesday’s Republican Primary outcome:

“First, I want to personally thank all the West Haven Republican voters who participated in the Primary Election on Tuesday. I am grateful to everyone who supported me with lawn signs, contributions, and especially those who volunteered at the polls for twelve hours yesterday with a goal of bringing new, positive change to our city.

“After countless calls to continue my campaign, it is my responsibility as a candidate of integrity to respect the decision of the West Haven Republican voters. That is why I am gracefully accepting my own loss of the Republican Primary and will refrain from running as a candidate on any third-party lines to demonstrate my commitment to uniting West Haven Republicans.

“My key takeaway: we began the conversation with a fresh perspective on economic development, public safety, and government transparency. I am hopeful that the next leaders of West Haven embrace these new ideas as we attempt to build a better city.

“Looking ahead, I will be supporting my endorsed slate of candidates this Fall, and I urge my West Haven friends and neighbors to actively seek positive change as stakeholders in shaping our city’s future. Don’t forget: it’s our job to hold the next leaders of West Haven accountable for both their upcoming decisions and especially for the actions of their past.

“My advice to the next Mayor of West Haven: exercise integrity and put the people of West Haven first.”