Nestor Wins Democratic Senate Nod
Weston Today photos
Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor won the Democratic endorsement for election to the State Senate on Monday evening, prevailing over State Rep. Lucy Dathan at the party’s 26th district convention at Westport Town Hall.
The delegate count was 48 for Ms. Nestor, 25 for Ms. Dathan, who on Tuesday announced her intention to challenge Ms. Nestor in the August 11 primary, saying in a press release “we need a Democrat on the ballot in November who knows how to win.”
In her victory speech, Ms. Nestor thanked her family, her supporters, and State Senator Ceci Maher for her friendship and service. “Our district is better because of you,” said Ms. Nestor. (Senator Maher announced her retirement from the Legislature in March and endorsed Ms. Nestor to succeed her.)
Ms. Nestor was nominated by Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, who noted that at past conventions he had nominated Will Haskell and Ms. Maher, both of whom went on to win the Senate seat.
Mr. Marconi praised Ms. Nestor as “a remarkable public servant, a proven leader, and a tireless advocate for her community.” He said Ms. Nestor “gets it” when it comes to the relationship of towns to the State, the importance of partnership, and that “we can’t just do everything that Hartford wants us to do.”
Ms. Dathan was nominated by State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, who took a different tack, saying, “Lucy has earned our support. She has paid her dues,” representing Norwalk and New Canaan in the State House of Representatives since 2019.
He noted that Rep. Dathan was endorsed by 40 State legislators and has “an amazing relationship” with probable Senate President Pro Tem Bob Duff and also with House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, who endorsed her.
The 26th State Senate district includes Weston, Westport, Wilton, Redding, and parts of Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.
Ms. Nestor, Sen. Maher
Mr. Marconi
Rep. Steinberg
