FAIRFIELD – The Democratic Town Committee nominated and endorsed Christine Vitale for first selectman Monday, Oct. 6.
Vitale, the incumbent who replaced the late Bill Gerber earlier this summer after he lost his battle with cancer, is being challenged by Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang in a special election scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026.
“Our DTC meeting last night drew a packed house — a true reflection of how deeply our community cares about Fairfield’s future. Together, we honored the incredible legacy of former First Selectman Bill Gerber, whose leadership, kindness, and vision continue to inspire us all,” according to a statement posted on the Fairfield DTC Facebook page.
“We also nominated Christine Vitale for First Selectman, reaffirming the promise Bill and Christine made to Fairfield voters: that we are better together. Christine has already shown the steady, thoughtful leadership our town needs — and the outpouring of support in that room proved Fairfield is rallying behind her.”
In her own Facebook post, Vitale stated how bittersweet the DTC meeting was.
“We had a busy and emotional DTC meeting last night,” she stated. “It was bittersweet as Jessica Gerber led a beautiful and moving tribute to Bill and also nominated me for First Selectman to continue to fulfill the promise Bill and I made to Fairfield voters when you elected us to serve for four years.
Vitale went on to state she is committed to working closely with police and fire departments to keep Fairfield safe, enhancing the public schools, making the streets safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, expanding community services to seniors, youth and residents with disabilities and implementing an economic plan that funds critical public investments while shifting the tax burden off residents.
The Republicans endorsed Hwang in August soon after the date for the special election was set. The RTC and Hwang gathered enough signatures by the Sept. 9 deadline to force the special election.
The Republicans have not yet officially endorsed a candidate for the special election. That vote is scheduled for 7:00 PM on 14 October at the Republican HQ located at 929 Kings Hwy East. Expect it to be Hwang.
The August endorsement of Hwang jumped the gun as it preceded the collection and verification of petition signatures and the scheduling of the special election; all of which happened in September.