Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe Will Not Seek Re-Election

WESTPORT, CT — Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, a Republican, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term this fall as the town's chief elected official.

In a statement, Marpe said it has been an honor serving Westport for the past seven years, but that he believes the town can continue to thrive with a new leader.

"While the Westport Town Charter does not place term limits on our elected officials, my experience in the private sector taught me that every organization benefits from regular changes in senior leadership," Marpe said, adding that he deeply appreciated the "bi-partisan support and encouragement" he received over the years.

"I am proud of what my administration has accomplished or set in motion, including our responses to COVID-19, fiscal responsibility, physical improvements, and addressing social justice concerns. We have prioritized the delivery of superior services at a predictable cost to the taxpayer. As such, I am very proud that we kept the mill rate stable throughout my entire term in office."

Marpe succeeded the late Gordon Joseloff as First Selectman, defeating Democratic challenger Helen Garten. In his re-election, Marpe was victorious over Democrat Melissa Kane and John Suggs and Timothy J. Elgin, who were petitioning candidates.

"I also know that the real key to our success as a community is the professionalism and commitment to serving our residents that is exhibited every day by the women and men who are employed by the Town and the Westport Public Schools," Marpe said. "It is also the result of the remarkable dedication and creativity of our dozens of citizen volunteers and elected officials. I am so fortunate to have led a team of employees and residents that is the envy of my counterparts in other communities."

Over the remaining months of his term, Marpe said he will continue to concentrate "on leading Westport safely out of the pandemic tunnel we have been in for the past year, as well as achieving or launching the initiatives that I have described in various budget and State of the Town presentations."

State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Republican who represents parts of Westport, Fairfield and other communities, praised Marpe for his leadership.

"Westport is incredibly fortunate to have such a collaborative, even keel statesman serving at the helm of their town government," Hwang said. "Jim Marpe has worked with residents and experts from all backgrounds to put Westport on sound fiscal footing, maintaining the highest education standards, while building on our town’s unique and wonderful quality of life. Westport is on a positive path forward, even in the face of the challenging and trying times, thanks to the collaborative leadership of Jim Marpe.

"I want to personally wish Jim and his supportive partner/wife Mary Ellen continued health and happiness in the next stage of their service to Westport and my gratitude for his leadership and friendship to me as a state senator representing Westport."

When he first ran for election, Marpe said he was committed to bringing "a citizen-centric, professional management style" to the position, which he will continue into November.

"I want to thank the voters of Westport for allowing me the opportunity to have the special privilege of serving them in the First Selectman’s Office," Marpe said. "I remain humbled by, and grateful for, the responsibility you have granted me."