Norwalk’s Democrats work every day to build a brighter, more inclusive future for every resident of our city. Guided by a commitment to progress, transparency, and service, the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee brings together neighbors to create positive change at every level of our local government. Connect with your local representatives committed to progress, equity, and transparent city government.
Below, explore our slate of candidates by district; each ready to deliver on the promise of stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, and more opportunity for every Norwalk family.
Meet the dedicated individuals running to represent Norwalk’s diverse neighborhoods on the Common Council and discover how their leadership helps move our City of Norwalk forward. Learn more about each candidate running for Common Council in the November 2025 election and discover how their experience, dedication, and local knowledge will make a difference for Norwalk neighborhoods
Mayor | District A | District B | District C | District D | District E | At Large | Get Involved
Barbara Smyth – Mayor
Barbara is a long-time resident of Norwalk and retired Norwalk Public Schools teacher who is proud to have served our students as an English teacher at Ponus Ridge Middle School and Norwalk High School. She is a four-term member of the Norwalk Common Council where she has served as Council President, Majority Leader, and chaired the Community Services, Public Works, and Land Use and Building Management Committees. All three of her children are graduates of Norwalk Public Schools.
District A: Central Norwalk
Jalin T. Sead – District A Council Member
Jalin Sead, a lifelong Norwalk resident, currently serves District A as a Common Council Member. He is passionate about community development and youth mentoring, having founded JCA Outreach and served on both the Fair Housing Commission and as a Justice of the Peace. Jalin is known for championing diversity and responsive government for hard-working Norwalk families. He is committed to strengthening public safety and educational equity for every resident.
Broderick Sawyer – District A Council Member
Broderick Sawyer is dedicated to ensuring residents of District A have strong representation on city matters. With a background in civic engagement, Broderick advocates for long-term infrastructure improvements and inclusive decision-making. His work centers on responsible budgeting and listening to constituent concerns to make District A a better place for all families.
District B: South Norwalk
Darlene Young – District B Council Member
Darlene Young has served Norwalk for over three decades, bringing extensive experience in youth services and community outreach programs. Darlene is a passionate advocate for families, local workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. Her collaborative approach and service with multiple city departments make her a trusted leader dedicated to making South Norwalk stronger and safer for all residents.
Dajuan C. Wiggins Sr. – District B Council Member
Dajuan Wiggins Sr. is a committed representative for District B specializing in youth programs and neighborhood engagement. He actively works with local organizations to build a sense of community and provide practical support. Dajuan’s focus on supporting family services and fostering positive relationships within South Norwalk highlights his commitment to serve residents at every level.
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District C: East Norwalk
Anne Wennerstrand – District C Council Member
Anne Wennerstrand represents District C with a strong dedication to responsive governance and constituent outreach. As an active advocate for environmental sustainability and educational advancement, Anne collaborates with local initiatives to protect Norwalk’s neighborhoods and drive inclusive growth. Her leadership ensures District C’s unique perspectives are heard in City Hall.
Nicolé Eaddy – District C Council Member
Nicolé Eaddy is committed to advancing District C’s priorities through practical legislative action and transparent city budgeting. As a council member, Nicolé focuses on fostering local business development, improving public safety and supporting accessible government services. Her work reflects a deep dedication to the well-being and prosperity of all District C residents.
District D: West Norwalk
Jan Degenshein – District D Council Member
Jan Degenshein brings servant leadership to District D, advocating for thoughtful solutions and active neighborhood engagement. Jan’s focus includes supporting affordable housing, improving public spaces and ensuring responsible urban planning. Her long-standing civic involvement empowers her to work closely with residents and city agencies for the betterment of District D.
Richard Dellinger – District D Council Member
Richard Dellinger is known for his committed approach to community service and policy development in District D. He prioritizes open dialogue with residents, evidence-based decisions, and accountability in all council matters. Richard’s expertise in city operations enables him to champion sustainable urban initiatives, public safety, and quality-of-life improvements in Northern Norwalk.
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District E: West Norwalk and Rowayton
Brian Bailey – District E Council Member
Brian Bailey, a 14-year Norwalk resident, lives with his wife and four children and combines financial expertise, public sector experience, and community service. He began his career in state politics as COO of a gubernatorial campaign and senior aide at the Connecticut Treasurer’s office, later earning an MBA from Yale and building two decades of leadership in finance and technology. Locally, he has served as a youth coach and Treasurer of the Norwalk Lacrosse Association. Continuing a family legacy of public service, Brian is committed to applying his collaborative approach and financial acumen to the Common Council.
Jim Frayer – District E Council Member
Jim has lived in Norwalk for fifty years and chairs the Public Works Committee. He was recently appointed interim Finance & Claims chairman and actively participates in several committees, including Economic & Community Development, Land Use & Building Management, Public Safety & General Government, Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Historical Commission. Previously, he served five years on the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Jim listens to and addresses his constituents’ concerns.
At-Large Common Council Candidates
Nicol Ayers – At-Large Council Member
Nicol Ayers was first elected to the Norwalk Common Council in District A 2021, and currently chairs the Community Services Committee. She is a native of Norwalk CT with over 15 years of experience in the Human Services/Youth Service fields.
Josh Goldstein – At-Large Council Member
First elected as an At-Large member of Norwalk’s Common Council in 2021, Josh is one of the Council’s youngest members, and has been a strong voice in support of strengthening Norwalk’s business community, creating more affordable housing options, making our streets more accessible and safer, improving Norwalk’s commitment to sustainability, and supporting landmark school construction projects such as the new South Norwalk Elementary School and major infrastructure improvements to the Wall Street area.
Johan Lopez – At-Large Council Member
Johan Lopez was elected to the Norwalk Common Council in 2023, and currently chairs the Ad-Hoc Sustainability and Resilience Committee. Johan completed a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (STEM) from the University of Connecticut with a focus on statistical learning, econometrics, and stochastic calculus for finance.
Colin Hosten – At-Large Council Member
Colin Hosten served as an At-Large Member of the Norwalk Common Council in 2019, before serving on the Norwalk Board of Education for six years, including two years as Board Chair, when he helped oversee the school district’s navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The son of career public school teachers, Colin teaches in the writing program at Fairfield University, in addition to managing a philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits in Connecticut.
Jesse Buccolo – At-Large Council Member
Jesse Buccolo is a Norwalk native and lives in East Norwalk with his family. Since 2020, he has held several leadership roles at Norwalk ACTS, a collective impact partnership that works to improve outcomes for children and families in Norwalk from cradle to career. He currently serves as the organization’s Deputy Director. Before joining Norwalk ACTS, Jesse spent five years teaching high school and served as a Policy and Communications Associate at the New York City Department of Education.
At-Large Board of Education Candidates
Sheri McCready-Pritchett – At-Large Board of Education Member
Sheri McCready-Pritchett is a dedicated public servant and lifelong Norwalk resident, first elected At-Large to the Norwalk Board of Education in 2021. As Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Chair of the Ad-Hoc Inclusion and Educational Justice Committee, she has championed academic excellence, equity, and transparency. During her tenure, Norwalk Public Schools has celebrated key milestones, including the opening of the first neighborhood school in South Norwalk in over 40 years, improved graduation rates, reduced disciplinary actions, and expanded access to advanced learning opportunities.
Marcus Jaime – At-Large Board of Education Member
Marcus Jaime lives in Norwalk with his wife and two children, who both attend Wolfpit Elementary School. He deeply believes in quality public education being accessible for all students. He grew up in the Bronx and is a proud product of the NYC public school system. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and a M.S. in School Counseling from CUNY. He has over 20 years of experience in education, including several positions with the New York City Department of Education.
Garrett Oliver – At-Large Board of Education Member
As a resident of Norwalk for over twelve years Garrett Oliver has seen the challenges that the Board of Education continues to face. With over 33 years of experience in Operations, Product Strategies, Sales, Marketing, and Management, Garrett brings a pragmatic and focused approach to problem-solving. Garrett realizes that many socio- economic problems stem from inadequate educational governance, and he is committed to approaching the BOE’s challenges with intellectual integrity and professionalism.
Dana Nellie Cole – At-Large Board of Education Member
Dana Nellie Cole is a life-long resident of Norwalk and a proud graduate of Norwalk Public Schools. Her first-hand experience at NPS is what drives her to want to help pave the way for new generations of students. As an active participant in Norwalk’s city-wide music program and as a student of Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School, Nellie understands how pivotal such opportunities can be for students and will work to make certain that these and more remain available to all, regardless of personal circumstance.
Why Do We Do This?
At the NDTC, our purpose is simple but powerful: to empower every Norwalk resident to shape our city’s future. We believe local government should be accessible, accountable, and truly representative of all its people. We work to elect leaders who champion fairness, transparency, and opportunity for every Norwalk neighborhood.
Because a thriving Norwalk is one where every neighborhood is heard, every family is represented, and every voice can shape the future. We exist to foster honest leadership, good governance, and a community that stands together through challenges and opportunities alike.
- Volunteer – Make a direct difference by canvassing, joining events, or helping behind the scenes.
- Donate – Every contribution strengthens our campaigns, donate directly to support Barbara Smyth and Democratic candidates.
- Get Campaign Updates – Stay plugged in with Barbara Smyth’s campaign with upcoming forums and volunteer opportunities.
