Date Set For First Selectman Special Election In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The special election for First Selectman in Fairfield will be held on Feb. 3, 2026, following an unanimous decision last week by the Board of Selectmen.

Incumbent First Selectwoman Christine Vitale, a Democrat, will face off against Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang, after local Republicans launched a successful petition drive to force the special election following the untimely passing of Democratic First Selectman Bill Gerber.

Municipal elections are set for Nov. 4, and Hwang and others had hoped that the special election could be held on that date, but scheduling issues with state regulations required the town to push the vote to Feb. 3. Though the Board of Selectmen vote for the date was unanimous, Vitale abstained because she is running for the office.

Read More:

• Signatures Certified In Fairfield Petition For Special Election For First Selectman
• Fairfield RTC Endorses Hwang For First Selectman
• Christine Vitale Named Fairfield First Selectwoman
• Fairfield Mourns Loss Of First Selectman Bill Gerber
• Vitale Seeks To Complete Term Of Late Fairfield First Selectman Gerber

Vitale was Gerber's running mate when he won the First Selectman's race in November 2023, and he designated her Acting First Selectwoman just before his hospitalization in late June. He died roughly three weeks later from complications following surgeries to remove a brain tumor.

In a statement, the Republican Town Committee said it "fully embraces" the Feb. 3 date for the special election.

"We know that Senator Tony Hwang looks forward to meeting with Fairfield residents and sharing his positive vision for the community as he campaigns for First Selectman," the RTC wrote.

For her part, Vitale has maintained that she is looking forward to the election.

"I remain focused on providing stability for Fairfield’s residents and town employees, keeping town operations running smoothly, making myself accessible to residents and working collaboratively to address the challenges facing our community," Vitale said when she was formally named First Selectwoman.