This story has been updated to include GOP candidate Sen. Tony Hwang’s comments.
FAIRFIELD – Incumbent First Selectperson Christine Vitale defeated Republican challenger Sen. Tony Hwang handily in a special election for the town’s top seat. The Democrat took the seat in a landslide with 56% of the vote to Hwang’s 44%, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
“I always had the official title,” an exuberant Vitale said after her acceptance speech at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course’s Boca Grille and Raw Bar. “Nothing for nothing, I was appointed per state statute in the town charter. It definitely feels it’s a honor to be elected by the electorate and I’m excited just to continue the work. We have a lot going on in town right now.”
In her acceptance speech, Vitale, who was appointed to be acting first selectman by Bill Gerber prior to his stepping down after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, thanked her family, campaign manager Erin Lopez and the rest of the team of volunteers who helped her pull out the victory.
“To reiterate, we did it!” she exhorted. “This was our campaign. I mean every single person in this room contributed. I’ve got my playgroup people who we met through our kids. I’ve got my family, my kids, the best staff in the first selectman’s office.”
She showed the relief of a successful end of an intense 7-month campaign.
“Democracy ruled today,” Vitale told the crowd. “I want to thank those petitioned for that special election because it gave us an opportunity for the people to have their voice. It was a rough seven months to be first selectperson.”
She made a point of saying her administration is ready to move forward after the campaign. “Fairfield is at a crossroads and they have spoken today,” she said. “They are looking to take a path forward. They’re not looking to go back. They are looking to plan.
“Planning for future generations is why I got into public service all those years ago for my kids, who are here tonight. I was on the Board of Education because I wanted them to have an amazing educational experience. I wanted future generations of Fairfield kids to have a great educational experience.”
In total, Vitale took 9 of the 10 town’s districts by a margin of 2,178 votes (9,907-7,729), including absentee and early voting ballots. Nearly 40% of the electorate turned out to vote for a total of 17,678 ballots cast, according to the unofficial tally. Petitioning candidate Matthew Hallock garnered 42 votes, or 0.2%.
Hwang called Vitale with a concession following her acceptance speech.
During his speech to supporters at Elicit Brewing Tuesday night, the GOP candidate asked for unity.
“I want her to succeed for all of Fairfield residents,” he said in the speech that was carried live on News 12. “I stand ready always to support any effort that will strengthen our town and deliver the quality of life that every resident deserves.”
Steven Sheinberg, DTC Chair, officially broke the news of Vitale’s victory holding a football in his hand and he stood on top of a chest.
“How sweet it is,” Sheinberg said. “The people of Fairfield have spoken loud and clear. The margin of Christine’s victory is a political landslide. Congratulations, Madame First Selectperson. I have been saying for sometime that this election was the Super Bowl of Fairfield politics. And we elected Christine Vitale. And you won the game and the race. Time to spike the football.”
