Op-Ed: Stamford Isn’t a One-Party City. It’s a One-Party Effort
Stamford Board of Education Vice President Discusses the Upcoming Municipal Election
By Versha Munshi-South
There’s an increasingly persistent narrative that Stamford is under one-party rule. It’s easy to see why. The mayor is a Democrat. Most of our state delegation is Democratic. The majority of our local boards are too — and some Republicans only serve because Connecticut’s minority party law guarantees them seats at the table.
So yes, Stamford looks like a one-party city. The convenient explanation is that Democrats have rigged the system. But that claim doesn’t hold up. What’s really going on isn’t a conspiracy — it’s a collapse of competition.
Where’s the Opposition?
The Stamford Republican Town Committee endorsed only 20 candidates for 40 Board of Representatives seats, and two candidates for three open Board of Education seats. That’s not a full slate — it’s a half-hearted effort.
Even more troubling is the quality of the top of the ticket. The Republican candidate for mayor has no executive experience, a habit of running for whatever office happens to be open, and a past arrest for cocaine possession (a charge later dismissed and expunged). None of this inspires confidence that voters are being offered a serious alternative to the incumbent administration.
But this isn’t just a Republican problem. Stamford’s lack of choice runs deeper than party lines.
Independent Isn’t Enough
The city hasn’t seen a credible non-Democratic challenge since Bobby Valentine’s 2021 unaffiliated run. To appear on the ballot, Valentine had to collect 188 valid signatures, a modest hurdle that demonstrated organization and community support.
Compare that to the current “fill-in” candidates, who couldn’t even gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. If they can’t find 188 supporters willing to sign a petition, how would they ever win the thousands of votes needed to lead the city?
That’s not one-party rule — that’s one party competing while the others barely try.
Democracy Without Debate
Healthy democracy depends on competition, debate, and accountability. When the same party holds every seat, it’s easy to blame political machines or voter apathy. But in Stamford, the truth is more uncomfortable: voters aren’t rejecting alternatives — they’re not being offered any.
Political diversity doesn’t require chaos; it requires courage. We need candidates — from any background, party, or no party at all — who are willing to step forward with ideas, build coalitions, and do the hard work of running. Democracy only thrives when voters have real choices, not just names filling space on a ballot.
The Real Problem Isn’t Rule — It’s Resignation
Until Stamford’s opposition parties — and independents — start organizing, recruiting, and campaigning seriously, this “one-party city” narrative will remain self-fulfilling. You can’t claim one-party dominance if no one else shows up to play.
The problem isn’t that one party rules Stamford. The problem is that no one else is really trying.
Versha Munshi-South currently serves as vice president of the Stamford Board of Education and is the parent of two high school students. Her comments are her own and do not represent the official views of the Board of Education.
🌊