Feb. 3 Special Election Will Shape Fairfield’s 2026 Budget

Voters will choose a First Selectperson on Feb. 3, with the winner immediately responsible for proposing the town’s next municipal budget.

Why it matters:
The election outcome will affect spending, taxes, and administrative priorities during the upcoming budget cycle.

Fairfield will hold a special election on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, to select its next First Selectperson. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and early voting is scheduled from Jan. 29 through Feb. 1.

The race is between Christine Vitale, who has served as First Selectperson since 2025, and State Senator Tony Hwang. The winner will take office as the town begins preparing its 2026–27 budget.

The First Selectperson is responsible for proposing a budget to the Board of Finance and overseeing town departments. The role also includes setting administrative priorities and responding to fiscal impacts from the recent property revaluation.

Local coverage of the campaign has focused on differing approaches to spending discipline, economic development, and long-term planning. Both candidates have emphasized maintaining town services while managing tax impacts, though they differ in emphasis.

The Board of Finance is expected to begin budget deliberations in March 2026, followed by review from the Representative Town Meeting later in the spring. The First Selectperson elected on Feb. 3 will lead that process.

Residents who cannot vote in person on Election Day may vote early or use absentee ballots available through the Town Clerk.

Disclosure:
This story is based on reporting from CT Insider and publicly available election records.