This article explores the political shift underway in Stratford, where longtime Republican Mayor Laura Hoydick has been unseated by Democrat David Chess.
It looks at what the election results could mean for residents, how national politics may have influenced local outcomes, and what both outgoing and incoming leaders are saying about Stratford’s future—from waterfront redevelopment to fiscal stability and the role of experienced municipal staff.
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Power Shifts in Stratford After a Close Mayoral Race
The November election in Stratford has ended an era and opened a new chapter at Town Hall.
After two terms, Mayor Laura Hoydick, a Republican, lost her bid for a third term to Democrat David Chess, a 73-year-old doctor and businessman.
Chess will be sworn in on December 8, becoming the first Democrat to lead Stratford since 2009.
Chess captured 7,879 votes to Hoydick’s 6,450.
The margin reflects both shifting voter sentiment and the impact of broader political forces—dynamics being watched closely not only in Stratford but in communities from Bridgeport to New Haven and across Connecticut.
First Democratic Mayor in Stratford in Over a Decade
With this win, Chess breaks a long Republican hold on the mayor’s office.
The last time Stratford had a Democratic mayor was in 2009, making this result a notable change in a town that often straddles the political line between blue cities like Hartford and more traditionally conservative suburbs such as Trumbull and Shelton.
Chess’s background in medicine and business helped him frame his candidacy as a blend of practical problem-solving and forward-looking vision.
This approach resonated with enough voters to flip Town Hall after eight years of Republican leadership.
Hoydick Reflects on Defeat and Her Legacy in Stratford
In the days following the election, Hoydick acknowledged her surprise at the loss but spoke with a tone of acceptance and pride in her record.
She’s been a fixture in Stratford politics and regional conversations, routinely engaged with colleagues in places like Milford, Fairfield, and Norwalk on shared issues such as coastal resiliency, transportation, and economic growth.
Hoydick pointed to a mix of local and national factors contributing to the outcome, including voter frustration with Washington.
National Politics and Local Fallout
Hoydick specifically cited discontent over national issues, including the federal government shutdown and concerns about its effect on SNAP benefits, as a headwind in her campaign.
While municipal polling places in towns from Stamford to Danbury saw similar currents of frustration, in Stratford that energy translated into an appetite for change at the local level.
She stressed that she remained proud of her eight years as mayor, framing her tenure around stability and sound management rather than national partisan battles.
Fiscal Responsibility and “Stable Government” as Hoydick’s Hallmarks
Hoydick emphasized that her administration delivered on the basics that many residents in communities like Westport and Greenwich often cite as top priorities: predictable budgets, dependable services, and a town that looks and feels well cared for.
Among the achievements she highlighted:
Defending Neighborhood Centers and Local Character
Hoydick also pushed back on suggestions that Stratford lacked ambition or character compared with neighboring communities.
She pointed to Stratford’s distinct neighborhood centers—each with its own identity and mix of homes, shops, and services—as a strength, not a weakness, when compared with nearby towns such as East Haven or Orange.
In her view, this fabric of neighborhoods is part of what makes Stratford attractive to families and businesses.
She urged the next administration not to lose sight of that.
Chess’s Critique: Vision and the Future of Economic Development
While Hoydick focused on stewardship, Chess campaigned on vision.
He argued that Stratford needed bolder thinking, particularly on economic development, to compete with coastal communities like New London or Groton that are aggressively courting new industries.
His most high-profile proposal involves a long-debated site on the waterfront.
The Army Engine Plant Site: Unrealized Potential
Chess has floated ambitious plans for the Army Engine Plant property along Stratford’s waterfront, a massive, largely dormant parcel that many locals see as the town’s biggest development opportunity.
He framed the land as a potential engine of jobs, housing, recreation, and tax revenue.
Hoydick, however, took a more cautious, practical stance.
She reminded residents that the town doesn’t control the property and that ultimate decisions rest with the owner, a factor she said limits how quickly or dramatically any administration can move there.
She characterized her approach as realistic rather than lacking in vision.
A Cautious Handoff: Advice for the New Administration
As Chess prepares to take office on December 8, Hoydick has stressed the importance of continuity inside Town Hall.
She underscored the value of the existing professional staff who keep Stratford running day-to-day.
Institutional Knowledge and Governing Experience
Hoydick urged Chess to trust and lean on the town’s career employees. Many of these folks have helped Stratford navigate through several administrations.
She pointed out their institutional knowledge as crucial for delivering services smoothly and steering clear of mistakes. Honestly, any new mayor in Connecticut—whether it’s Meriden, Waterbury, or elsewhere—figures this out pretty fast.
Hoydick also got a bit personal, sharing her dedication to public service. She hinted she might not be done with politics forever.
She’s stepping aside for now, but she sounded hopeful about Stratford’s future. In her view, experience in government still counts, even when people are hungry for change.
Here is the source article for this story: What does a CT mayor do when no longer mayor? Stratford’s Hoydick is ‘not ruling out anything’
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