Monte Frank, chair of CT Voters First publishes editorial in the CT Post (12/8/25) on electoral reform.....

Granby is fortunate to have someone of Toby Proctor's caliber willing to serve. I encourage voters to support him on Election Day.......

After six years serving as a First Selectman here in Connecticut, I’ve learned that the most important quality in leadership isn’t political experience — it’s trust. When a leader is focused on building trust, they listen before acting, make decisions openly, and always remember that public office exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

That’s why I’m proud to support David Rosenwaks for First Selectman of Westport...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14 2025

Connecticut Forward Announces Candidates for November Election

CT –Connecticut Forward today announced its slate of endorsed candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in Connecticut, continuing its mission to bring people together across partisan divides and champion community-driven problem solving.

CT Forward is proud to support leaders across the state who share a common commitment to problem-solving through listening and collaborating with people with views different from their own. These candidates reflect a wide range of political backgrounds—current and former Democrats and Republicans, as well as Independent and Unaffiliated—but share a commitment to elevating the voice of people in their communities and strengthening democracy from the ground up.

Forward-Endorsed Candidates in Connecticut include:

● Fred Behringer, Candidate for Board of Finance, Old Lyme (Unaffiliated)

● Neil Chaudhary, Candidate for Board of Police Commission, Newtown

(Newtown Forward Party)

● Bill Middleton, Candidate for First Selectman, Stonington (Unaffiliated)

● Deb Norman, Candidate for Board of Selectmen, Stonington (Democrat)

● Toby Proctor, Candidate for Board of Finance, Granby (Unaffiliated)

● David Rosenwaks, Candidate for First Selectman, Westport (Independent)

In addition to the candidates for the November election, CT Forward was delighted to see Kevin Bowdler re-elected on the Forward Line in Stonington Borough during the May election as a member of the Board of Burgesses. CT Forward is also delighted to be endorsing Tony Hwang, current State Senator for the 28th District, in his campaign for First Selectman of Fairfield, which will have a Special Election in February 2026.

“I’ve always believed that the best ideas come from collaboration and open-minded discussion. We need leadership that listens and works together, not politics that divides. Great movements start with small steps, and these Forward candidates in Connecticut—along with others across the country—are proving that politics can once again be about service. They embody what this movement is all about: listening to neighbors, finding solutions that work, and rebuilding trust in how government serves people,” - Governor Christine Todd Whitman, former Governor of New Jersey.

“Connecticut Forward is a home for anyone who wants to work together to find practical ways to improve our communities. What binds us is a shared commitment to collaborative problem-solving and to empowering people over parties. Our goal is to support local leaders in unlocking solutions that truly work for their communities.”- Danielle Chesebrough, Statewide Lead CT Forward and First Selectman, Stonington.

"The Town of Old Lyme has been a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Now that I’m retired, I have time to give back and join many others who volunteer their time and talent. I’m proud to be part of Forward and put Forward’s values into practice."- Fred Behringer

“I’m proud to be endorsed by the Forward Party. Their focus on practical solutions over partisanship is exactly why this movement is the right fit for me, for Newtown, and for Connecticut.” - Neil Chaudhary

“The Forward Party represents exactly what our communities need—leaders who are willing to work together and focus on solutions instead of politics. I’m running for First Selectman because I believe Stonington works best when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.” – Bill Middleton

“I look forward to serving the Stonington Community and a big thanks to the Forward Party for being so welcoming, especially in our divided times.” - Deb Norman

“I am extremely proud to be endorsed by the Forward Party because the party stands for putting community needs ahead of partisan politics and working toward practical, lasting solutions for Granby. I will lead and represent all members of the Granby Community across the entire political spectrum." - Toby Proctor

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Forward Party. Their focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and pragmatic problem-solving reflects the approach I will bring to leadership in Westport. I am proud to stand with an organization that puts community before partisanship.” - David Rosenwaks

All Forward candidates pledge to a common set of principles, which focus on:

➔ Grace and Tolerance- Forward believes in approaching one another with grace and tolerance, finding ways to pick people up rather than knock them down.

➔ More Listening, Less Talking- Forward is asking what we can do for your community. We will not ask what your community can do for us.

➔ Diverse thinking isn’t just welcome, it’s required- Forward welcomes new ideas and fearless conversations around important, challenging issues.

➔ Bottom-up, not top-down- Forward empowers leaders to find solutions that work in their communities. We won’t dictate a rigid, top-down policy platform and expect it to work for all communities.

➔ Work Together, Not Against- Forward strives for collaborative solutions. We’ll make sure they work, and if they don’t- we will keep trying!

➔ All Are Welcome- Left, Right, or Center- Forward is creating a political home for everyone willing to set aside the partisan extremes and find practical ways to work together to make our country better.

With growing support in Connecticut and across the nation, the Forward Party is creating a new political home for Americans who are ready to put problem-solving over partisanship. Not Left. Not Right. Forward.

To support this effort, or to learn more please visit ctforwardparty.com or contact CT Forward [email protected].

Note: “CT Forward” refers to the coordinated efforts of the Forward Stonington Borough and Newtown political town committees, both registered with the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC).

Media Contact:

Danielle Chesebrough

Statewide Lead CT Forward

[email protected]

It is noteworthy that the only candidate running for First Selectman in Westport this fall, who is truly independent and has earned the endorsement of the Forward Party is David Rosenwaks...

Brian & Company interviews the CT Forward Party Chair, Danielle Chesebrough!

First Selectwoman of Stonington CT Danielle Chesebrough discusses the division in politics and how the two parties could come together.

Veteran and Forward Party supporter Toby Proctor writes:  duty is calling, once again.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is establishing a working group consisting of members representing various political affiliations and tasking them with exploring options and developing a comprehensive legislative proposal to create a system that enables municipalities and political parties in Connecticut with the ability to use ranked-choice voting in caucuses, conventions, primaries, and certain municipal elections.

So far this year, you’ve heard us announce our endorsement of candidates for dozens of state and local offices across the nation. These dedicated public servants and prospective representatives embody everything Forward stands for—Protecting our democracy and the rule of law, elevating the voice of the voter, building towards consensus solutions, and leading with ethics and integrity. 

But we’re just getting started.

The electoral system in the United States needs a redesign, says political reformer Andrew Yang. Exposing the flaws of a system built on poor incentives, he proposes a cost-effective overhaul inspired by primary elections already working in places like Alaska and advocates for ranked-choice voting, where voters can choose candidates in order of preference regardless of party, stemming the influence of extreme ideologies.

Laura Del Savio from Redding Urges CT Legislators to open up democracy to more candidates through voting reform.

Catherine Osten and Tony Hwang explain the benefits of Ranked Choice Voting!

Forward Party Co-Chair @AndrewYang has a super normal interview explaining the role of Forward and independent candidates.

The new Party is only the second to attain recognition through public petitioning since the ‘90s, showing the grassroots support behind the Forward Movement in the Centennial State

An Interview with Danielle Cheesbrough

by Bryce Leiberman

Utah officially has another political party on the books after the Forward Party gained ballot access in the Beehive State.

Chesebrough Wins Third Term in Stonington as Forward Party Candidate

Forward Party Co-Chair, Former N.J. Governor Endorses Chaudhary