Ridgefield Democrats Approve 18 Candidates for November Election, Including 13 Incumbents

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Democratic Party has endorsed a slate of 18 candidates, including 13 incumbents, for the town’s local boards in the upcoming November election.

The nominations were formalized during a party caucus Tuesday night, where members highlighted the party’s sustained leadership across Ridgefield’s eight elective boards over the past six years.

“We’re not just running on what we’ve accomplished, we’re running on a bold vision for Ridgefield’s future,” said Democratic Town Committee Chair Arny DiLaura in a news release. “From smart zoning and excellent schools to robust public safety and vibrant open spaces, our candidates are committed to what makes Ridgefield special.”

The endorsed candidates represent a wide range of professional experience, including education, business, law, technology, public safety, nonprofit leadership, and the arts. The party emphasized transparency, sustainability, and a commitment to community-first governance as central themes of its campaign.

DiLaura noted that the 2025 campaign will include public forums, neighborhood meet-and-greets, and digital outreach to connect with voters directly.

“We’re not just asking for your vote. We’re asking for your voice,” he said.

The full Democratic slate is as follows:

Board of Finance

• Andrew Okrongly (incumbent)
• Mike Rettger (incumbent)

Board of Education

• Tina Malhotra (incumbent)
• Kathryn Graf
• Angela Rice
• Scott Sigel

Planning and Zoning Commission

• Elizabeth DiSalvo (incumbent)
• Joe Dowdell (incumbent)
• Mariah Okrongly (incumbent)
• Benjamin Nissim (incumbent)

Inland Wetlands Board

• David L. Smith (incumbent)
• Keith Carlson (incumbent)
• Noah Berkowicz (incumbent)

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Joseph M. Pastore III (incumbent)
• Mike Santini (alternate)

Board of Assessment Appeals

• Andrew Sternlieb (incumbent)

Police Commission

• Sharon Wicks Dornfeld (incumbent)
• Stephen Riebling

Ridgefield Democrats have held a majority on local boards since 2018. This year’s campaign aims to continue that momentum while responding to broader political challenges that local leaders say are increasingly shaped by national decisions.