Westport will have a new 1st selectperson next fall.
And — current 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker hopes — in 2026, when Connecticut votes next for governor, she’ll head to Hartford.
This afternoon Tooker — a Republican in her first term as 1st selectwoman, after serving on Westport’s Boards of Education and Finance — officially announced her candidacy for the state’s highest office.
Governor Ned Lamont has not yet announced his intentions for a third term. If he does not run the field may include several high-profile Democrats, including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Matt Ritter, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Attorney General William Tong.
On the Republican side, Erin Stewart, the Republican mayor of New Britain serving her 6th and final term, is exploring a gubernatorial race.
Four of Connecticut’s 5 most recent governors have been from Fairfield County. The last previous Westport resident to run for governor was Republican Julie Belaga, more than 3 decades ago.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker
In a statement announcing her candidacy this afternoon, Tooker’s campaign called her “a champion for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and government accountability…. With a proven record of leadership in both the
public and private sectors, Tooker is running to bring bold, results-driven solutions to the state.”
“For too long, Connecticut families and businesses have been burdened by high taxes, rising costs, and a state government that lacks accountability,” she said.
“I’m running for governor to restore fiscal discipline, create an economy where businesses and workers thrive, and make Connecticut a place where families can afford to stay, work, and retire.”
Tooker called it “an incredible honor to be the leader of this amazing community. I have served in multiple elected roles for almost 14 years. We have achieved so much together for the town we all call home. I am ready to bring my experience and commitment to Hartford to ensure a stronger future for our entire state.”
Last month, Tooker delivered the State of the Town address at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tooker will campaign on a plan to rein in state employee costs, which have grown 33% in 5 years; lower energy costs, in part by removing public benefits charges from electric bills; and lower taxes and expand aging-in-place programs to ensure that seniors can remain in their communities.
She also pledges to launch a statewide innovation initiative to position Connecticut as a leader in AI, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. This will, she said, “create high-paying jobs, and drive economic revitalization in cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport.”
A press release called Tooker “a genuine lover of Connecticut and experienced public servant (who) has successfully led efforts to enhance economic development, improve public safety, and strengthen local schools.”
A University of Notre Dame graduate with a degree in economics and international studies, Tooker spent her private sector career in the reinsurance industry.
Working and living abroad for more than a decade “broadened her perspective and reaffirmed her belief that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Americans are unmatched anywhere in the world,” her biography on Westport’s town website says.
Tooker’s volunteer efforts in Westport have included the Westport Weston Family YMCA board of trustees, Westport Sunrise Rotary Club, Sunrise Rotary 21st Century Foundation board, the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Committee, and coaching in the Westport Soccer Association.
She and her husband Mo have 3 children.
Without a doubt, Westport did not offer her enough photo ops. The last thing this state needs is the cardboard cutout that she is. And a Trumper!
More photos at lunch all over the state LOL!
Are real estate agents and restaurateurs the most prolific contributors to Dan’s blog?
No.
Appreciate the response Dan.
SHE MUST BE KIDDING THE WORST FIRST SELECT PERSON WE HAVE EVER HAD
Godspeed!
To those who seem to wake up every morning determined to hate the world—that’s your problem, not mine.
It’s one thing to have a difference of opinion; it’s another to launch baseless, mean-spirited attacks against someone who has done nothing but serve this town with integrity, transparency, and tireless dedication. Jen Tooker has been a pillar of accountability, selflessness, and hard work—qualities that deserve recognition, not cheap insults and outright fabrications.
But then again, this is Westport—where cowardly keyboard warriors seem to thrive, and hurling invective has become a blood sport. Take your pettiness elsewhere. Our town deserves better than malcontents who contribute nothing but noise.
Those throwing mud from behind their screens would do well to step back and ask themselves: What exactly are you attacking? A leader who has consistently put the community first? Someone who has made herself accessible not just to the voiceless but even to the very people who live to spread hate? Maybe if you paid attention, you’d notice how tirelessly she has worked—day in and day out—to ensure this town thrives, even in the face of great challenges.
If you have legitimate concerns or criticisms, bring them forward with facts and respect—not cowardly internet vitriol. But, as always, it seems the loudest and most loathsome voices get the most attention.
Criticism is fair. Slander is not.
And mark my words—our loss will be Connecticut’s gain when she moves into 990 Prospect Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.
Keyboard warriors ? Says John Bolton who was not even elected to P&Z but appointed, and continues IMHO to vote accordingly on every single vote.
Are you kidding me ?
She has not put businesses first – parking/ merchants have begged her to have meetings, to just listen. Nope..
integrity, transparency and tireless dedication ? To WHAT ? Her self serving agenda nobody wants ?????
If being part of the problem letting a school go down the shitter is something to be proud of on your watch.. then maybe I should shut my mouth.
A pillar of accountability, selflessness and hard work ???
Are we talking about the same person ?
Clearly not ! This is some kind of joke.
What is clear is you are not listening to your constituents. And you are in an elected position. Even if you were not elected.
Don’t insult us with “keyboard” warrior accusations- those of us with the balls or thick enough skin to say “hell no” to the bullshit being foisted on our town.
Perhaps you need to wake up and see the wood for the trees.
Rose tinted glasses are all fine and well. But a blatant disregard for what is happening under your nose is not.
Insulting the constituents you serve is also not a good look.
And one last thought for the day, if she had done/tried to do, anything her constituents actually had wanted her to do in the last 8 years, then we would be proud and hopeful to send her to Hartford.
Did that ever occur to you.?
No ! I suggest your nasty diatribe says it all.
Defense mode.
“Fiscal responsibility”? “Government accountability”?
She’s bold indeed.
Jen, thank you for your dedicated service to our great town. From Board of Education to Board of Finance, to leader of our community as First Selectwoman, great work my friend.
Thank you for taking on projects others would’ve have kicked down the road- Parker Harding Parking Lot and Longshore Club Park improvement Plan.
Thank you for supporting our Board of Education in helping to move forward a new Long Lots School.
Thank you for your vision in working to create a Public Safety campus that will include Police, Fire, and EMS. This no doubt will be a huge win for the taxpayers of Westport if and when it comes to fruition.
Most of all thank you for being you. A dedicated mom, wife, and leader.
Jimmy I think of you every time I round the corner from Starbucks and almost always bottom out in the pothole this administration has used to try and coerce us all into acceptance of their horrid plan. Between that pothole and the monstrous Walmart like building you are going to bat for down at Longshore.
SMH.
Just when I thought I’d about gotten Westport out of my system.
This is going to be so much fun to watch (and comment on).
Mr. Bolton,
There are too many town agenda items on the list to count that have turned this town into a chaotic mess. The approach of our first selectwoman has not been through positive consensus. She has tried to move projects forward to only have take many steps backwards because her approach is not transparent. I wish her the best moving forward, but I look forward to a change in the office of our First Select Person.
Wouldn’t go if she was the only person in the race. Select woman of Smithtown she was ineffective and certainly not transparent. She spent more time on photo and she spent listening to residents.
Exciting news, Jen! You’ve been a great steward of our Town’s finances and always have Westport’s best interests in your sights. Thanks for your tireless efforts & positive attitude which are desperately needed in Hartford. We can say we knew ya way back when! Best of luck!
Fughgedaboutit
Will Tim Walz be on the ticket too?
No Jack. Tim is going to be subbing at Staples and will straighten out their coaching staff retention issue starting with what consumables are needed in the locker room.
vomit
Jen, Thanks for the tireless work on behalf of Westport. Putting your heart and soul into a job where you can never be right in the eyes of all. Thanks for your calming advice.
The rich white woke hateful democrats of Westport. The hate on Tooker and also a women of power shows how your party has lost its way. White and entitled.
What does “woke” have to do with objections to her incompetence? I get that you are obsessed with woke, but maybe you should work on your material.
Ahh, the miserable Trumpkin is back. Moved away, but can’t help himself. Loser.
And yet we Democrats have nominated two women to run against Trump for President. Sort of debunks your supposition, Jeff. Ms. Tooker is a fine woman but she is above her pay grade in any aspirations to run this State.
Bases are loaded. Third Time’s the charm.
I was wondering…
Does Tooker support [or oppose] Trump?
Please answer “YES” or “NO”.
The choice is simple.
What is your answer?
Thanks for your honesty in giving a “Yes” or “No” answer.
The answer will determine my vote. Y or N. No waffling.
I understand Ms. Tooker is a Republican. All republicans, by definition, support Trump. If you fail to offer full support, you risk incurring violence upon yourself, your home and your family. But they do not answer questions such as who won the 2020 presidential election. I’ve asked Jack and Tom repeatedly. Crickets. Ask Jeff, he won’t answer.
I look forward to Mrs. Tooker leading in Hartford. She has brought so much innovation and change, in a town that is so progressive, yet so divisive and self destructive to any projects she has brought forward. Transparent, she is. The truth, is told otherwise because agreeing to disagree is not enough, vitriol is the choice instead.
Mrs. Tooker was beyond helpful with my daughter and granddaughters special needs. It does not have to be said, because the actions speaker louder, and cannot be put into words.
I miss Westport, but I miss what Westport used to be. I cannot recall a time where name calling was the norm, even when Arcudi and Farrell ran against each other!
Inclusivity and acceptance starts in Anywhere, USA.
We can all agree and disagree, together, without such distain and hatred and without personalizing it. That’s someone’s mother, wife, sister and relative.
I wish her the best of luck in her endeavors to climb higher, and help put Westport’s voice forward in the state of Connecticut.
How ironic her kids are not going to Westport schools.
Nope…. Surprise… they at least one is – are at Hopkins.. affluential and expensive private school..
honestly ! It just bears the question.. are the schools in our town not good enough.
And again.. community gardens.. are they disposable.?
I struggle to see leadership.
Two graduated from staples and one went to private, what is wrong with that? You’re going after her kids? Disturbing.
The only thing disposable, are the parking spaces you removed for your new restaurant, while crying for more parking in downtown.
Your constant name calling and complaining is outrageously offensive, personalizing, and far from the subject.
Thank you Jen for all your hardwork and positive attitude in making Westport a great place to live. Your leadership, positive thinking, and perseverance will be great qualities in Hartford.
Couldn’t she have waited until April 1 to announce?
Is there a signature accomplishment on her watch in Westport? Because all I can come up with are the new stop signs at the intersection of Greens Farms Road and New Creek Road.
Lots of photo ops but zero substance. When you know you can’t get reelected, run for higher office!
No way a Republican wins the Governor’s mansion with a popular Democratic Governor and very very Blue state. Or is Musk going to run her campaign.?
http://www.carladdisonswanson.com
Musk’s skills are needed in Westport. Jen needs to pick up the phone.
She’s running on getting rid of the Public Utility Benefit Assessment? The Public Utility Benefit Assessment is supposed to end in April, 2025.
She’s running on doing something to allow seniors to age in place but has done nothing in this town for seniors.
She’s running on her “fiscal responsibility” when this town’s debt is projected to triple or quadruple over the next few years (each year the number gets larger). We never get to see if projects have been completed so we have no idea if they have been or if they are on time and on budget. We do, however, keep seeing request after request for more funding from certain departments, especially those over which is has ‘acting capacity’ as the head of the unit.
She’s running on “lower taxes” while my real estate taxes have increased 20% during the last 3 years (having been lowered slightly under the previous First Selectman).
“Transparency?” I guess that is equated with photo ops.
Speaking of photo ops, she got lots of them on her trip to Ukraine. The photo of her wearing spike heels while standing in rubble in front of a building that was bombed out was one of my favorites. She certainly hasn’t spoken out about trump’s utter disdain for that country and Zelenskyy.
But, it seems her husband is president ot The Hartford so I guess she thinks she’ll raise a ton of money and ‘buy’ the Governor’s Mansion.
Jen Tooker and I are in the same party and have not always seen eye to eye on every single issue. That is natural. A political party is not supposed to be a straight jacket.
We clearly have disagreed on the Community Gardens. We still do. Thats fine too. Differences of opinion are not a sign of weakness.
However, I want to thank Jen for commitment to the Westport community. You don’t have to agree with every single decision or issue to say that she always tries to put Westport first even if we don’t agree with every decision.
It’s ok to disagree and criticize that comes with the territory. However to question her love for Westport or where a child goes to school seems misplaced and wrong. I read a one word response – vomit. Come’on.
My point is not to attack anyone on here or elsewhere who doesn’t support her or has criticized her. Jen is a tough cookie. Everyone is entitled to their views and I’m known as someone who is constantly vocalizing mine.
However, can’t we say a simple thank you to a fellow Westporter and wish her good luck as a person (even if you are not going to support them now or in the future in a political campaign).
Thank you Jen.
Can Jen comment on the validity of the 2020 election? Does she support Trump pulling out of Ukraine? Does she support Elon Musk as the defacto head of the federal government?
As a former Republican (pre-Trump), I won’t be voting for her (or any Republican) until they’re able to answer these questions.
And keep in mind: Under her watch, we were almost forced to have the conspiracy theorist Republican BOE member. If not for Robert standing up to the Republican’s of Westport, and of course Jill Dillon running at the last minute, it would have happened by default. I never heard a peep from Jen. Real leadership.
Mr Grimm asks if Ms Tooker has a “signature accomplishment”. Ms Rosenfeld claims her taxes have risen 20% under Ms Tooker.
Taxes have risen only 3% since Ms Tooker took office. That’s pretty remarkable, as CPI increased 14% during that same period. I’m not sure why anyone would pay 20% more in taxes, unless they added additional property (as there hasn’t been a revaluation since 2020).
At the same time, Westport has been recognized as having the top public schools in the state (very impressive given the status of many CT public school systems), crime has been low relative to neighboring municipalities, and parks and streets have been well maintained.
Take your pick of what constitutes a “signature accomplishment”.
But, I’m pretty satisfied that at least one level of government is working well. I would not underestimate the importance of the First Selectwoman’s disciplined and effective management in this achievement.
Our schools have been very good in Westport for many years – are you really going to credit the FS for something there?
Taxes have only risen 3%. Is that really a notable accomplishment?
Her initiatives have largely been mishandled debacles. The parking problem downtown. The attempt to encroach on green space downtown for parking. So then nothing happens. (We hire consultants.)
Her desire for a turf soccer field on the Long Lots property is likely to delay the much needed school project. She was never public about her desires, which only were uncovered through FOIA requests.
Now the Longshore storage building. Something so wildly out of necessary scale that any progress to whatever might be necessary is delayed.
The problem – no matter where one stands on these examples – is that her fundamental lack of interest in what the broader general public wanted will delay important work.
Having taxes increase by 3% on a grand list base that is NOT subject to inflation (i.e., it is fixed) is a very significant accomplishment when inflation (measured by CPI) is up 14% over the same period. In practical terms, it means that — for the same piece of property — you are now paying only 3% more in taxes but 14% more for everything else. Or, in other words, on an inflation adjusted basis, it means you got a roughly 11% tax cut.
The fact that she was able to manage this without diminishing the quality of education and town services is a pretty big deal. Over the past few years, Westport has been relatively immune from the migration out of the state. I expect good, solid fiscal management is one reason why.
I’d be really happy if someone could do even half this much for the entire state or country.
Mr. Westphal – with respect, the Westport Grand List has been significantly enhanced for many years by the number of teardown/new build properties. There were 87 in fiscal year 2021 (Ms. Tooker’s first year in office); 79 in fiscal year 2022 and 56 through June 30, 2023. Those are the last stats I have available, but it’s safe to say there have been at least 75 more since June, 2023. On average, the new homes add TRIPLE the prior residence’s assessment . That is neither to the first selectperson’s credit or blame – but for you to assert that this represents some type of fiscal wizardry that could be replicated across the state just doesn’t add up. Our Grand List is not fixed.
Mr Prenderville,
As I said above, “for the same piece of property”, there has been only a 3% increase in property tax rates (with 14% inflation). Indeed, the grand list has expanded, solely because of new building and investment. The Town has been able to maintain a high level of services, because we have managed costs and provided a good place to live and do business (thus expanding the grand list and the tax base). In contrast, the state has not had good fiscal management and has not expanded its tax base.
It’s not a matter of financial wizardry; it’s just good government.
Seriously, Jim. The BOE budget is completely separate from the Town budget. To try to in any way give credit to the FS for the quality of our schools (for better or for worse) is absolutely nonsensical.
Though, given you are a sports coach, you must have appreciated that the FS was gifting a ballfield that would have been embedded in a school building budget.
“Half this much” is half of nothing. I’ll assume that you are a bootlicker for the GOP, nothing more or less.
US News Report ranks Staples #9 in the state behind Darien, Greenwich and Weston. Stop drinking the kook aid.
I said Westport public schools, not Staples. My source is: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/s/connecticut/?msockid=3716189ee443657327d5082de04367ed
Looks like I was off by one this year. We were #2 for 2025. Not that it’s a big difference, given the small differences among the school systems at the top. The point is that we have avoided tax increases (on an inflation adjusted basis) for like-to-like property without cutting high quality government services.
No need to make silly accusations about what I drink Scooter.
There’s zero chance she wins. This is just a way to save face and avoid losing reelection in Westport.
Hopefully, the CT Republican party will select a nominee for Governor that will do a fine job for our fine state. That assessment will turn on many factors, one most important one will be Ms. Tooker’s performance as our First Selectwoman. Accomplishments are important, as are interactions with people and use of resources, including staff and others who link to Ms. Tooker. Some may be pleased that Ms. Tooker is not seeking a second term as First Selectwoman, others not pleased. Our ability to vote for Ms. Tooker may depend upon our party affiliation, though if she receives the Republican nomination, all will have the opportunity to determine if we want Ms. Tooker to lead our State.
That is democracy.
I spent over 30 years as an executive search professional placing exceptional leaders with both smaller businesses and fortune 500 companies. My assessment of effective leadership was based upon the following: they set a clear vision, they’re effective communicators, they motivate and inspire, they foster collaboration, they had a proven track record of effective decision-making, they adapt effectively to change, and they build trust with team members; all of which are crucial for achieving organizational goals.
I use these same criteria when voting. I suggest others do also.