On November 4, Stratford voters went to the polls and chose a new direction for our town, electing Dr. David Chess as Stratford’s next mayor and delivering strong victories for Democrats across the ballot.
Chess won the mayoral election with 7,879 votes, or approximately 55 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Mayor Laura Hoydick. His victory marked the beginning of a new chapter for Stratford and reflected the work of an extraordinary team of candidates, volunteers, supporters, and residents who believe our town can do better.
The results went well beyond the mayor’s race.
Democrats won seven of Stratford’s ten Town Council districts, electing Jean Collier in District 1, Christopher Green in District 2, William Boyd in District 3, Rene Gibson in District 4, Anthony Afriyie in District 5, Philip Young IV in District 6, and Lisa Carroll Fabian in District 7.
Stratford voters also gave Democrats a majority on the Board of Education. Yvonne Temple, Mike Fiorello, and Kristen Zapata were elected to the board, joining Democratic member Jill D’Angelo-Powers and creating a 4-3 Democratic majority.
Democratic candidates also had a strong night in Stratford’s land-use races, winning contested seats on the Planning Commission, Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
These victories represent more than a change in party control. They are an opportunity to bring new ideas, greater transparency, responsible leadership, and renewed attention to the issues Stratford residents have been raising throughout our community.
The Stratford Democratic Town Committee is deeply grateful to every candidate who stepped forward, every volunteer who knocked on a door or made a phone call, and every voter who participated in our local democracy.
Now the work begins.
We look forward to supporting our newly elected leaders as they work together to make Stratford a stronger, more responsive, and more welcoming community for everyone who calls it home.