Fairfield First Selectman Special Election Should Be Nov. 4, Candidate Hwang Says

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Republican candidate for Fairfield First Selectman, is calling on the town’s Board of Selectmen to schedule a special election for Nov. 4, coinciding with the general election.

Hwang said holding the vote that day would maximize voter turnout and reduce costs. The board’s decision will include a vote from Democratic First Selectwoman Christine Vitale, who is seeking to remain in the position.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is on Wednesday, during which the board may vote on the date of the special election. As of Monday afternoon, the meeting's agenda had not yet been posted on the town's website.

"Aligning with the general election ensures maximum voter participation and avoids unnecessary expense," Hwang said in a statement. "This is about putting voters first, and I hope Ms. Vitale will join me in supporting November 4th as the election date."

Fairfield Republicans forced the special election by obtaining more than 2,900 petition signatures, following the untimely death of First Selectman Bill Gerber. Vitale was Gerber's running mate when the two defeated Incumbent Republican First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick and Brian Farnen.

Before Gerber's hospitalization, he designated Vitale as Acting First Selectwoman; she was later formerly installed in the role to finish out his term, which is set to expire in November 2027.

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

Hwang also proposed three public debates with Vitale ahead of the election. He said the forums should focus on economic development and public safety; housing and community planning; and taxes, spending and the upcoming property revaluation.

"Fairfield voters deserve open and honest discussions about the future of our town," Hwang said. "Leadership is about accountability, and voters should have the chance to compare our priorities and visions."

Finally, Hwang urged civility in public life, reflecting on recent events.

"Too often, political discourse dissolves into vitriol or worse, violence," he said. "All political violence must be condemned. We must reset, rethink our approach, and recommit to respect for diversity of thought and a genuine love of community."

Last week, following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Fairfield Republican Town Committee called on Representative Town Meeting member Melissa Longo, a fellow Republican and former chair of the RTC, to resign from the RTM, and not seek re-election, after she made inflammatory comments about Democrats. Longo has vowed not to resign.

"I am committed to giving Fairfield voters a campaign worthy of their trust," Hwang said. "Through a fair election process, open debates, and a focus on the issues that truly matter, we can shape a stronger, more united future for our town."