West Haven Election 2025: Gary Donovan Running For City Council

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council, Board of Education and more.

West Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Gary Donovan is running for re-election to the West Haven City Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
Councilman - 4th District

Occupation:

Retired

Family:
Wife of 40 years- Judy (63)
Daughter-Alyssa (31)
Son- Gary jr. (29)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am seeking a fourth term as Councilman

Why are you seeking this office?
I enjoy giving back to my community and helping people in general

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Rising taxes and I will be working with the Mayor and my other council members to bring in businesses that will help subsidize our residents taxes. Keep the city budget from being a burden on the residents

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have been a West Havener my whole life and I have been involved with not only coaching sports, I was president of West Haven Little League. I also respond to every phone call and email and try to resolve any issues my constituents have.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Protecting our shoreline and enhancing our beautification of our shore.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I originally ran for office as a Councilman-at-large because people wanted a section of our shore to be cleaned up from all the invasive trees and plants and today we have not only accomplished that but we are now in the process of planting native trees and plants with informative articles about each one with much thanks to the Shoreline preservation committee I and others are on.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My Mom-“ Treat people the way you want to be treated and always remember who you are “

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I will do my very best to uphold our dignity and respect each other. I will continue to improve our roads and infrastructure.