With Republican incumbent Jen Tooker declining to run for a second term, the first selectperson’s race is wide open this fall.
The Democratic Town Committee interviewed 4 “strong” candidates for the position. The Nominating Committee chose 2 to recommend to the full Democratic Town Committee.
But they released only one name today.
Kevin Christie — a current Board of Education member — will participate in the DTC’s meeting this month, when members make an “informal vote of endorsement.”
The other candidate has decided not to participate. However, he or she “is free to seek the nomination” in July, DTC chair Michelle Mechanic said in a press release this afternoon.
Kevin Christie
“I am overjoyed that so many great candidates came forward,” Mechanic said.
“We narrowed it down to 2 incredibly qualified candidates, who boast both municipal and private sector experience. The ultimate decision is in the hands of the full committee. As a valued nominating committee member stated, ’70 voices is far better than 9.’
“Furthermore, we are returning to the process of forming an early consensus, which has proved successful both here in Westport and across the state. We all look forward to hearing from Kevin Christie at our next meeting.”
Christie was elected to the Board of Ed in 2021. He chairs its Policy Committee.
A graduate of Union College, with an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, he spent more than 15 years in investment banking, and corporate development and strategy. He is now a stay-at-home dad, raising twins.
Other volunteer efforts include the Coleytown Elementary School PTA, and coaching in the Westport Soccer Association.
The Republicans have not yet met to discuss their candidate. Tooker announced last week that she is running for governor.
This is amazing news for the Westport Democratic party and for the community. Kevin will make an exceptional candidate, and I look forward to enthusiastically supporting his campaign!
I’ve known Kevin for years and couldn’t think of a better person to help shape the future of our great town!
Thrilled to hear this news. Such a high quality candidate for the town!
Kevin Christie clearly brought his experience in finance and corporate management to his role on the Board of Education. He is a listener. A real one. He already puts so much care into this community, and I can’t wait to see him take that energy to the job of First Selectman!
I’m thrilled to support Kevin Christie for First Selectman. Why Kevin in a field of other similarly highly qualified potential candidates? Because Kevin genuinely listens to constituents. I have watched him interact with folks in meetings and at events – each time I come away feeling he is a natural and principled leader. Kevin Christie is the First Selectman we need at this time to represent our priorities and build consensus.
Thank you DTC for getting this campaign started NOW for Westport Selectman!
Thank you Kevin Christie for stepping up for this important leadership role.
I have admired your actions from afar and look forward to getting to know you better.
Let’s go! This is the time to share our voices! Democracy lives here.
Strongly support Kevin Christie. Westport has been lucky to have his passion and leadership.
He’s the best!! Can’t wait to vote for him as a first time voter.
Wow! So excited for this news – the work that Kevin did on the Board of education was amazing – he clearly cares about children and their families, which mess a grandparent of 6 in town grandkids, very happy. Kevin would be a great addition to our town political arena as first selectman.
Bravo Zulu!! Great news. Perhaps he will put a halt to the excessive spending, the mindset that everybody should live in or visit the town and create some things for our kids to do to have fun like a movie theater? This town needs to be returned to the residents not the developers.
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