Gov. Ned Lamont has chosen Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves as the next chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee. This move is seen as a sign that the governor is keeping his options open regarding a possible run for a third term in 2026. Alves, an immigrant who leads a diverse city, will succeed Nancy DiNardo, underscoring the importance of the urban vote in future elections.
Lamont’s selection of Alves is seen as a step towards investing in the party’s infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where Democratic support has been declining. Alves, who came to the U.S. from Brazil as a child and became a citizen in 2017, has experience as a mayor and a regional sales executive.
While the choice of state chair technically requires a vote from the Democratic State Central Committee, the committee typically defers to the governor’s choice when Democrats hold office. Alves is known to be a favorite of Lamont, who campaigned for him in 2021. Alves believes his new role will complement his duties as mayor and hopes to bring a message that represents what the Democratic Party stands for.
DiNardo, who is stepping down after her term expires, praised Alves and expressed confidence in his abilities as the new chairman. This move may have implications for the upcoming gubernatorial election and signals a shift in the Democratic Party’s leadership in Connecticut.
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Photo credit ctmirror.org
