NORWALK, Conn. — Republicans across Norwalk experienced an electoral wipeout in Norwalk’s municipal election Tuesday night, losing the mayor’s office and supermajorities on both the Common Council and Board of Education, according to unofficial results.
In a packed room at the Norwalk Inn for the Republican Town Committee, Republican Vinny Scicchitano announced to his supporters that, although the numbers were not looking good, they would wait to see the official results on Wednesday.
Scicchitano made the announcement to his supporters, who loudly cheered and carried forward the mood of the night, which was one of excitement and anticipation, filled with laughter and conversation about daily life in Norwalk and the mayoral elections.
Earlier in the night, Scicchitano said that voter turnout was “absolutely fantastic,” noting that, according to his understanding, 20,000 Norwalk residents exercised their civic rights, representing a 25% increase.
“We have over 50,000 registered voters, so even 20,000 is a little low, in my mind, but I feel very satisfied that I’ve done a good job in presenting the issues, and presenting options for the issues that woke people up and got people to come out and vote,” the mayoral hopeful said. “That was a very good feeling to know that I was part of that, I was instrumental in making that happen, this election cycle.”
According to unofficial results, Democrat Barbara Smyth defeated Scicchitano and unaffiliated candidates John Kydes and Erik Vitaglione in a race defined by debates over taxes, transparency, and development.
Scicchitano, a lifelong Norwalk resident and small-business owner, ran on a platform of fiscal accountability and restoring public trust in local government.
“What really resonated with them [voters] is that I want to bring City Hall back into their control, that they are able to control the destiny of our city, the direction our city goes in,” Scicchitano said. “The city of Norwalk and the people in this community want to make the community about them again, and they want to feel as if their voice matters.”
Norwalk Republicans have not held the Mayoral office since Richard Moccia, who lost the 2013 election to Harry Rilling.
According to Scicchitano, he plans on going about business as usual if the official results certify his loss by continuing his charity work and time with non-profits.
“I feel I always made a great impact that way, go directly to the people that need it most, and help them, and that’s been very satisfying through my life.”
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that former Mayor Alex Knopp was a Republican. Knopp is a Democrat who served as mayor until 2005. The last Republican to hold the office was Richard Moccia, who lost the 2013 election to Harry Rilling. The article has been corrected.
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