Nancy DiNardo, longtime chairwoman of CT Democrats, will not seek another term

Nancy DiNardo of Trumbull, who served most of the last 20 years as chairwoman of the Democratic State Central Committee, announced Wednesday night that she will not seek reelection in January. The party, in a statement, said Gov. Ned Lamont has endorsed Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves to serve as the next chairman.
 
“It has been an honor to lead the Connecticut Democrats and I thank Gov. Lamont for giving me the opportunity to serve again,” said DiNardo, who served two stints as state leader: from 2005 to 2015 and again after Nancy Wyman, who was lieutenant governor under Gov. Dannel Malloy, served a term. DiNardo took the job again in 2020. “I have met and worked with extraordinary Democrats across the state, and I hope to continue to do so in the coming years. Roberto Alves will make a great chairman, and I wish him the very best.”
 
"Nancy DiNardo has always looked out for the working middle class, which is why she is the most successful chair of any political party in Connecticut history, leading Connecticut Democrats to victories year after year, including every state constitutional office and every U.S. Congressional office," Lamont said in the statement. "Her steadfast leadership has strengthened our party and has set a solid foundation for forthcoming elections. I am grateful that she is not going far and she will continue to provide Connecticut Democrats with guidance in the years to come.”

Lamont said that Alves represents the kind of leader needed for the state party's future. "As the mayor of a major city, he speaks with the residents of our state on a daily basis and is intimately familiar with their concerns and needs - working to keep our focus on making Connecticut more affordable."

“Roberto Alves exemplifies the very best of our state’s values, immigrating to Connecticut as a child, graduating from Danbury High School, and going on to work as a technical sales engineer at Cartus," said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. "Last year, Roberto led a team of Democrats that defeated the incumbent Republican mayor and successfully flipped other offices in town. I know Roberto will take his winning strategy to our state party and deploy energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas in future elections.. Nancy has generously volunteered her time and talents to make our state bright blue at the state and federal level. We wish her well and look forward to continuing to work with her and learn from her wise counsel and advice.”

Alves, who was elected mayor last year, served previously as Danbury's Democratic Town chairman and treasurer of the state party. "Now we need to focus on what's next: building a Democratic Party that's ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, mobilizing voters, activists, and grassroots support in every corner of our state, and working together to get things done for the people of Connecticut." 
 
Alves, who was elected Mayor in 2023, previously served as Democratic Town Chair of Danbury and Treasurer of the Connecticut Democratic Party.