Former Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker Launches Campaign For State Comptroller

WESTPORT, CT — Jen Tooker, the former first selectwoman of Westport, announced Thursday that she is running for Connecticut state comptroller, a position that serves as the state’s chief financial officer and oversees state spending and financial reporting.

In a statement, Tooker, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for governor last year, said rising costs for households and businesses have made fiscal oversight more important.

"For Connecticut families and businesses, every dollar matters right now: daily expenses, energy costs, and property taxes, they all add up," Tooker said. "The Comptroller’s job is to make sure the State treats your tax dollars with the same discipline you must use. I’m running to be the independent watchdog who protects taxpayers, demands answers, and makes sure the
government earns back your trust."

Tooker has nearly 25 years of experience in the private sector and 14 years in elected office. During her tenure as Westport’s first selectwoman, she oversaw annual municipal budgets and long-term financial planning. Her administration fully funded the town’s retiree medical benefits, known as other post-employment benefits, and emphasized public reporting and oversight, according to her campaign.

She also supported initiatives aimed at expanding Westport’s business and entrepreneurial community.

Supporters praised Tooker’s fiscal record in local government. State Rep. Tom O’Dea, the deputy minority leader representing New Canaan, Darien and Stamford, said Tooker demonstrated financial discipline while in office.

"As First Selectwoman, Jen didn’t just talk about fiscal responsibility, she delivered it," O'Dea said. "She balanced budgets, controlled spending, and protected taxpayers while delivering exceptional services. Jen will bring that same discipline to Hartford — asking the hard questions, following the money, and making sure families aren’t stuck paying the bill for waste and mismanagement."

Cliff Sirlin, president of StartUp Westport, said Tooker maintained open communication with the business community and emphasized data-driven decision-making during her time as first selectwoman.

"Jen understands how decisions made at the State level affect the business world" Sirlin said. "In Westport, she communicated clearly, embraced the business community with innovative programs and didn’t hide behind bureaucracy. She’s transparent, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on outcomes. That’s exactly the kind of financial leadership Connecticut business owners need right now."

Tooker’s announcement comes as inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to affect Connecticut residents and employers. She said the comptroller’s office should focus on transparency, early identification of long-term liabilities and clear public reporting of state finances.

"This office exists for one reason: to protect taxpayers," Tooker said. "As Comptroller, I will tell the truth about our finances, shine a light on long-term liabilities before they become crises, and make sure every dollar collected from families and businesses is tracked and accounted for."