Town Council Leadership Shifts After Seven Decades
FARMINGTON — Nov. 5, 2025 — For the first time since the Eisenhower administration, Farmington will be led by a Democrat. Unofficial returns show Brian FX Connolly defeating incumbent Joe Capodiferro by 595 votes (4,244 to 3,649), a margin of roughly 53.8 percent to 46.2.
The race ends a seven-decade Republican hold on the town’s top elected seat and delivers Democrats a full sweep of council and board contests.
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Council control flips blue
Connolly will govern with a democratically controlled Town Council.
In the First District, Democrats Dave Wlodkowski (2,114 votes) and Bruce Polsky (2,051) defeated Republicans Nadine Canto (1,473) and Henry Purtill (1,370). The Second District mirrored that pattern: Patti Boye-Williams (2,411) and Bill Beckert (2,355) out-polled Keith Vibert (1,950) and Amy Palumbo (1,858). Democrats now hold every seat on the council.
Board of Education sweep
The Board of Education race produced another three-for-three Democratic win:
Andrea Sobinski (4,755), Matt Hutvagner (4,537), and Haley Pellegren (4,494) finished ahead of Republicans Ann O’Malley Kerr (3,116), Matthew Domejczyk (3,072), and Suraj Kurtakoti (3,041). Write-in candidate Jeff Przech received 97 votes.
Townwide results
- Judge of Probate (District 10): Paul R. Bedard elected.
- Town Clerk: Democrat Mike Tucci projected winner over Republican Maureen Frink.
- Board of Assessment Appeals: Ted Glanzer and Joan M. Williams elected.
- Town Plan & Zoning: Dave St. Germain and Philip Cordeiro top vote-getters.
- Zoning Board of Appeals: Christopher Cloud and Jon Schoenhorn prevail.
- Constables: Swapna Das and Peter Bagdigian retain posts.
Unofficial returns posted overnight by the Secretary of the State and reported by multiple Connecticut outlets confirmed a complete Democratic sweep across Farmington’s municipal ballot.
Historical context
The town’s government had been Republican-led since the mid-1950s. Connolly’s victory makes him the first Democrat in 70 years to chair the Town Council. Local historians note that even in years when Democrats gained school-board seats, the council majority never shifted—until now.
What comes next
Connolly, who works in non-profit health services, told supporters that the administration would focus on “steady budgeting, continued investment in schools, and a practical approach to growth.” Town records indicate that a 2026 budget draft is expected in January. Capodiferro, a 26-year Farmington Police Department veteran, conceded late Tuesday, thanking residents for “the privilege of serving this town for the past decade.”
Turnout and certification
Farmington’s registrars reported more than 8,000 ballots cast of 18,888 registered voters, a turnout near 43 percent—solid for an off-year municipal cycle. The Head Moderator’s Report will be filed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State by Friday, Nov. 7, when final numbers become official.
About the Author
Jack Beckett drinks too much coffee and still believes a good election night deserves ink stains. ☕ He covers Farmington politics and municipal life for The Farmington Mercury.
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This article, “Farmington Elects Its First Democratic Council Chair in 70 Years,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“Farmington Elects Its First Democratic Council Chair in 70 Years”
by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
