© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A 'bitter' rematch between rivals in Danbury ends with GOP losing control of mayor's seat

In 2021, Democrat Roberto Alves came 290 votes shy of winning a mayoral election in Danbury.

But two years later, in a rematch, Alves flipped the city blue to beat his rival, incumbent Republican Mayor Dean Esposito.

Robert Storace, a reporter for the Connecticut Examiner, said on Connecticut Public’s “The Wheelhouse” that a bitter campaign waged between the two continued beyond the close of polls on Election Day.

“There was a lot of bitterness and that came across last night because in his concession speech, Esposito was very bitter and saying a lot of things such as, ‘It’s hard to believe I lost to that guy.’” Storace said.

Part of the bitterness, Storace said, was a claim from Esposito that Mayor-elect Alves would defund the police.

Alves won by 346 votes Tuesday. The victory for Alves breaks a long streak of Republican leadership in the Hat City. Prior to 2023, the GOP in Danbury had won 11 straight mayoral elections.

Frankie Graziano is the host of 'The Wheelhouse,' focusing on how local and national politics impact the people of Connecticut.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content
Connecticut Public’s journalism is made possible, in part by funding from Jeffrey Hoffman and Robert Jaeger.