Hamden Democratic Primary 2025: Baez Seeks Mayoral Nomination

HAMDEN, CT — Five candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination for Hamden mayor in this year’s primary election.

The crowded field of candidates was whittled down in July when Mayor Lauren Garrett announced that she was ending her re-election campaign for a third term.

Since then, Legislative Council President Dominique Baez won the Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement at the party’s convention and is now facing a primary challenge from Peter Cyr, Lushonda Howard, Walter Morton IV and Adam Sendroff. Jameka Jefferies also intended to be on the ballot for the primary election, but fell short of the signatures needed to qualify and will appear on the ballot in the municipal election in November as a petitioning candidate, according to the New Haven Register.

Jonathan Katz is the Republican candidate for mayor.

Early voting is underway for the Democratic primary election. Voting hours for this weekend are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller Library-Thornton Wilder Hall, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, for both Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7.

Patch asked the mayoral candidates on the Democratic primary ballot to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary, which is Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Dominique Baez

Occupation:

Executive Director, Construction Workforce Initiative 2

Experience:

• Serving Hamden on the Legislative Council since 2019 (currently Council President)
• 20+ years in workforce development, compliance, and construction training—helping residents gain access to good-paying jobs and long-term careers

The single biggest issue facing Hamden:

Hamden’s greatest challenge is fiscal instability, rooted in legacy pension debt and a stagnant grand list. I’ve spent years directly addressing these challenges and have delivered measurable progress: stabilizing reserves, improving our bond rating, and ending the harmful financial practices of prior administrations.

My plan builds on that record:

• Grow the tax base through smart, deliberate economic development focused on commercial corridors and growth that reflects the range of neighborhood character here in Hamden
• Invest in walkable business corridors to strengthen neighborhoods and attract businesses
• Modernize budgeting and financial reporting to increase transparency and accountability to build public trust
• Engage residents directly so financial decisions are shaped by input from the community, not just insiders

This isn’t about slogans—it’s about experience and leadership that can deliver results on day one.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I earned the Democratic endorsement because of my commitment to financial stability, stronger neighborhoods, and better schools. A key difference between my opponents and me lies in who has the record and relationships to turn those goals into reality.

• Proven fiscal leadership: I’ve already delivered balanced budgets, protected pensions, stabilized reserves, and strengthened Hamden’s credit rating. My opponents talk about concepts; I’ve implemented real reforms. I was part of putting a stop to harmful fiscal decision-making by prior administrations, and understand how critical it is that we do not return to those damaging practices.
• Governing experience: With my colleagues, I’ve been leading through Hamden’s toughest financial challenges and producing results. I know how to take ideas and see them through implementation within the framework of local government.
• Transparency and accessibility: I’m not just pledging to “open up” government. I’ve already expanded public input, created hybrid meetings, and modernized Council processes.
• Endorsed to deliver: I am the candidate endorsed by Hamden’s Democratic Town Committee and supported by state leaders like State Senator Jorge Cabrera, State Representative Josh Elliott, and State Representative Steve Winter. I earned these endorsements because they trust my leadership. With these state-level partnerships, I can secure more resources from the state to strengthen Hamden’s future.
• Ready on day one: Hamden can’t afford a learning curve, we need to hit the ground running. My record proves I have the experience and vision to keep moving us forward immediately.

Accomplishments:

• Sponsored the most Council-led legislation in recent history. Passed legislation requiring workforce inclusion on construction projects
  • Guided Charter revision to a public vote
  • Led the Legislative Council to strengthen town laws on Fair Rent, Blight, Public Safety recordkeeping, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Tree protection

• Financial Management & Support
  • Secured funds for youth programming and small business façade improvement
  • Improved Hamden’s bond rating
  • Increased the fund balance and maintained above 7%
  • Ended harmful capital sweeps that undermined our finances, a common practice before I became Legislative Council President
• Increased Access and Transparency
  • Increased accessibility of public input to the Legislative Council to ensure resident voices are heard
  • Expanded special Legislative Council committee meetings to increase access and transparency and allow residents to join the conversation about issues that are critical to our town

Other priorities

• Equity in education: Ensure all students have quality schools and resources
• Public safety: Invest in community-based solutions and modern communication systems
• Environment: Expand green infrastructure and sustainable planning
• Civic engagement: Continue to make government more accessible, accountable, and responsive

What else should voters know about you?

I was raised in Hamden, and today I’m raising my two daughters here with my husband. My parents still work as a plumber and a municipal worker, so I know firsthand what it means to build a middle-class life in this community. As a former student of Hamden Public Schools who fulfilled a dream of attending Yale, I know first-hand the impact of a quality public school education.

I’ve dedicated my career to helping people access opportunity. I’ve modernized local government, strengthened Hamden’s finances, and made resident voices central to decision-making.

With the support of local and state Democratic leaders, I am ready to ensure Hamden gets its fair share of resources. Together, we can grow Hamden responsibly and inclusively—building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for all.