Branford Democrats 'Unanimously' Endorse Josh Brooks For First Selectman

Submitted by the Branford Democratic Town Committee:

BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Democratic Town Committee proudly announces the unanimous endorsement of Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Josh Brooks as the Democratic nominee for First Selectman. The endorsement was made Thursday evening, July 17, 2025, at the party’s nominating convention held at the Branford Community House.

Brooks, a veteran, lifelong public servant, and small business owner, brings decades of experience in both municipal leadership and the trades. A familiar face in Branford government, Brooks has served on the RTM since 2007, where he has been a voice for working families and a consistent advocate for transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. He currently sits on the Education and Ways & Means committees.

“Josh Brooks is a veteran, small business owner, longtime member of local government, and, most importantly, someone with the blue-collar work ethic to get the job done right. He is the perfect person to lead Branford and will do so with honesty and commitment to every corner of our community,” said Kevin Coughlin, Chair of the Democratic Town Committee. “He listens. He leads. And he follows through. That’s why we’re proud to back him.”

Brooks’ campaign will center on the values that have defined his life and career: Hard Work & Straight Talk. As the owner and foreman of Brooks Stone, a Branford-based marine and masonry contracting business, Brooks has spent the past 20 years building seawalls, sidewalks, and trust—literally and figuratively. Prior to that, he worked for nearly a decade as a Youth Outreach Worker for the Town of Branford, where he created innovative programs like Teen Travel and helped countless young people in town.

A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and a coach of over 16 youth sports seasons, Brooks is well known across town as a hands-on leader who shows up, rolls up his sleeves, and brings people together to get things done.

“Branford runs on service, community, and common sense and that’s exactly what I will bring to Town Hall,” Brooks said in accepting the nomination. “I’ll lead as First Selectman with hard work, straight talk, and a belief that good government means listening to everyone. I am honored to be nominated to serve the town I love.”

Brooks will lead the Democratic slate into the November election alongside incumbent Board of Selectman candidate Ray Dunbar, incumbent Treasurer Kurt Schwanfelder, 5 candidates for the Board of Education, and 21 candidates for the RTM.

RTM member Nancy McCormack, who serves alongside Brooks, nominated him for 1st Selectman at the convention.

“Josh embodies the community values that make Branford a great place to live,” said McCormack. “Whether it’s coaching youth sports, showing up at RTM meetings prepared and principled, or lending a hand to neighbors in need, he’s always there. He’s exactly the kind of First Selectman Branford needs right now.”

Adrian Bonenberger, a fellow RTM member and U.S. Army veteran, seconded Brooks for 1st Selectman.

“As a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of steady, principled leadership communities need, and Josh Brooks embodies that,” Bonenberger said. “His campaign slogan, Hard Work & Straight Talk, is a reflection of how he lives, leads, and serves. I was proud to nominate him because he’s the kind of leader who shows up, earns trust, and gets the job done.”