Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves named chair of Connecticut Democrats

The Democratic State Central Committee on Wednesday night were asked by Gov. Ned Lamont to choose Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, then a few minutes later unanimously elected the first-term mayor to a two-year term.

"Roberto is one of the guys that flipped a Republican town to a Democratic city," Lamont said. "He's a great friend for me. I love what he's done. He's able to tell our story why Democrats make a difference, with the perspective, also, of a mayor and what that means." 

Alves, who moved to Danbury with his family moved from their native Brazil when he was five, told the virtual DSCC meeting that he looked forward to the challenge.

"This is about more than the work that we've done," he said. "It's about the work we still need to do and the things going on nationally that demand our attention. The rights and liberties we often take for granted are at-risk and larger forces seek to undermine our democracy. Our party here in Connecticut and across the country is changing. Now is the time to grow, adapt and ensure we are meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow."

The leadership comes in the wake of a recent presidential election where Democrats in the state's big cities had anemic turnout. 

Alves takes over from long-time state chairwoman Nancy DiNardo of Trumbull. Lamont praised DiNardo for leading the reelection of the all-Democratic congressional delegation and the growing majorities in the General Assembly. "Today we have veto-proof Democratic majorities," Lamont said. "We have super majorities. We flipped 44 towns in the 2022 governor's race. I see we've picked up a dozen new cities in 2023, including Danbury with Robert Alves."

Lamont called DiNardo "the heart and soul" of the party for the last quarter century. He criticized President Donald Trump for ordered an end to federal diversity, equality and inclusion efforts among his first executive orders Monday on what was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday.

"I would also like to support Roberto's nomination," DiNardo said. "He's been treasurer and has been an extraordinary asset not only to our party but our state. I know he will work hard over the next couple of years."

"This is a very special moment for me," Alves told the committee, asking his two grade-school children to join him on the video link. "Nancy, what can I say? Like so many in this meeting tonight, I have had the honor to know you, to serve with you, to work with you. Your decades of leadership have set the standard for what it means to lead with heart and determination. You built something that will endure far beyond today."

Republican State Chairman Ben Proto,  who will seek another term in June, noted DiNardo's retirement and hinted that Alves' life is going to become more complicated. "I wish mayor and State Chair Alves luck in finding time to sleep and figuring out which of his roles comes first," Proto said.