Independent Party Of Danbury Hijacked By Local GOP Stripped Of Ballot Access: Democratic Town Committee

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Democratic Town Committee**

Aug. 28, 2025

Danbury Democratic Town Committee Chairman Larry Riefberg released the following statement regarding the State of Connecticut's confirmation that the Independent Party of Danbury has lost its ballot line for the upcoming November election.

"For too long, the so-called Independent Party of Danbury has been nothing more than a cynical tool of the local Republican establishment. What should have been a genuine outlet for independent voices in our community was hijacked two decades ago and used as a shadow ballot line to confuse voters and entrench Republican power in our city.

This week, state officials confirmed the Independent Party of Danbury failed to meet the 1% vote threshold in the last local election and failed to file petitions, stripping it of ballot access. None of the nominations made by this group for the upcoming November election are valid, and their candidates will not appear on the ballot.

The Republicans’ years-long scheme to disguise themselves as independents has collapsed — a victory for transparency and the voters of Danbury.

The Danbury Democratic Party welcomes this restoration of clarity to our elections. And we hold out hope that, in the spirit of democracy, the Independent Party of Danbury will one day return to its rightful members: those who truly identify as independents, so voters can make their own choices free from Republican manipulation and backroom power plays."