Stratford Democratic Primary Election 2025: Mayoral, Council Candidates

STRATFORD, CT — Registered Democrats in Stratford will head to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 9 for a primary election that features races for mayor and Town Council in two districts.

David Chess is the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate for mayor and is facing a primary challenge from Linda Manos.

Chess, a physician and 40-year resident of Stratford, has made economic expansion and reducing the tax burden priorities of his campaign.

UPDATE: Chess Cruises To Victory In Stratford Democratic Mayoral Primary Election

“I moved here 40 years ago with my wife and raised five great kids, while building the largest medical practice in Fairfield County,” reads a post on Chess’ campaign website. “We all take pride in our town, but our taxes are too high. We must expand our economic base and raise revenue in new, creative ways, and we owe it to our children to provide a world-class public education.

“There is a lot to do. That’s why I’m running for Mayor in Stratford.”

Read more about Chess at his campaign website here, and on Facebook here.

Manos, a lifelong Stratford resident and business owner who has served on the Stratford Zoning Commission, has also made reducing the tax burden on residents and reinvigorating Stratford’s economy priorities of her campaign.

“Many people in Stratford know me through my businesses and political work, but in case you don’t, I am Linda Manos, a lifelong resident and graduate of the Stratford school system,” reads a post on Manos’ campaign website. “For over 35 years I owned and operated the Shakespeare Arms Restaurant, better known as Pepins on Linden Avenue.

“Because Stratford has been so good to me and my family, I am seeking the Democratic nomination for Mayor in order to give back in the best way I am prepared to do.”

Read more about Manos at her campaign website here, and on Facebook here.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary election will face incumbent Republican Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, who is seeking her third term.

Tuesday’s election also features primary challenges for two Town Council seats.

In the 3rd District, endorsed candidate William M. Boyd is being challenged by incumbent Councilman Alvin L. O'Neal.

In the 4th District, incumbent Councilwoman Rene M. Gibson, the endorsed candidate, is being challenged by David Harden.

Polls, Hours, Locations

Only registered Democrats can vote in Tuesday’s primary. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To find your polling place and look up voter information, click here.

There are 10 polling locations in town:

• District 1: Lordship Elementary School, 254 Crown St.
• District 2: Stratford High School, 245 King St.
• District 3: Johnson House School, 719 Birdseye St.
• District 4: Franklin School, 1895 Barnum Ave.
• District 5: Nichols School, 396 Nichols Ave.
• District 6: Wooster Middle School, 150 Lincoln St.
• District 7: Wilcoxson School, 600 Wilcoxson Ave.
• District 8: Chapel Street School, 380 Chapel St.
• District 9: Bunnell High School, 1 Bulldog Lane
• District 10: Second Hill Lane School, 65 Second Hill Lane