Shaban wins!

#MiddleburyCT #SpecialElection #BrianShaban #CaseyLarkin

Selectman Brian Shaban and his wife, Chelsey, celebrate Shaban’s June 23, 2026, election win. Shaban will now continue as a selectman, a position he has held since January 2026. (Marjorie Needham photo)

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Republican Brian Shaban emerged victorious from the two-person race for a seat on the Middlebury Board of Selectmen. Based on the initial results, Shaban captured 1,411 of the 2,578 votes cast while his opponent, Democrat Casey Larkin, brought home 1,167 votes. This was a hotly contested race, and the voter turnout of nearly 40% reflected that fact. Shaban’s term will run through December 6, 2027.

Asked how he felt about his victory, Shaban said, “I feel great!” He said he thought both he and Casey want to end the division in town, and he wanted to honor that. He said he wanted to represent everybody and do what’s best for Middlebury. “I love this town,” he said. “I grew up here, and to be in a position to better it is a dream.”

Shaban, 35, is a lieutenant firefighter/EMT with the UConn Fire Department and a deputy chief with the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. He has been serving as a selectman since January 13, 2026, when he was chosen for the spot by a three to two vote of five town officials – the town clerk, town treasurer, Democratic registrar of voters, Republican registrar of voters, and tax collector.

Shaban’s campaign focused visually on his role as a husband and father with his campaign ads featuring a picture of him with his wife and children. It also said he would protect “what makes Middlebury special – respectful dialogue, safe neighborhoods, strong schools and a community we are proud to call home.”

Larkin, 37. may have lost in his first foray into politics, but he remained optimistic about his future chances. “This is the beginning,” he said. “It’s not over.”

Larkin said he didn’t think of this as a loss for Middlebury because, “We’ve gotten so many people involved in town government.” He said he hoped people would stay involved in town government and keep asking questions. “Change is not going to happen overnight,” he said.

Looking at the fact he started with zero in January and more than 1,000 people voted for him in June was, he said, a huge win. He said the large turnout for the election was what the town needed and what he wanted.

Larkin said he did not initially plan or expect to run for office, but now has fallen in love with serving people and wants to represent the people who haven’t had a voice in town. He said, “This was not the result we wanted, but it was not a net loss” and noted before three years ago, there had been very little Democratic activity in town. He said he would continue to advocate for everyone in Middlebury to have a voice in their government.

Looking forward to 2027 when Middlebury’s two selectmen seats will be up for grabs, he told a supporter, “Save the signs for next year.”