#ElectionDay #MiddleburyCT #Vote
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
No matter which first selectman candidate Middlebury voters choose in the November 4, 2025, election, that person will make history. If Democrat Michael McCormack wins, it will be only the second time in Middlebury’s history that a Democrat has won the first selectman’s seat.
If Republican Vincent Cipriano wins, it will be the first time since 1983, except for 2007 to 2011, that someone other than Edward B. St. John won. St. John retired in 2007 but then reentered politics again in 2011.
If unaffiliated candidate Jennifer Mahr wins, she will achieve two firsts: the first time an unaffiliated voter has served as first selectman and the first time a woman has served as first selectman. Whoever wins will serve a four-year term beginning December 1, 2025, and ending December 1, 2029. Further, the election itself may make history with a record-breaking turnout.
Down ballot, the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee cross-endorsed Brigitte Bessette for town clerk and endorsed candidates for every position open to a Democrat except the Board of Assessment Appeals. This gives them the potential to shift political control to the Democrats in a town that has long been controlled by Republicans. Here are the ballot choices in order as they appear on the ballot from left to right:
First Selectman: Democrat Michael J. McCormack, Republican Vincent F. Cipriano Jr., Unaffiliated Jennifer A. Mahr.
Town Clerk: Republican Brigitte M. Bessette is also endorsed by the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee.
Town Treasurer: Democrat Ralph J. Barra and Republican Janine R. Bowler.
Board of Finance: Two full-term six-year positions – Choose two from Democrats Charles “Casey” Larkin IV and Donald Andrews and current First Selectman Edward B. St. John. Four-year term to fill a vacancy – Democrat Michael McCormack.
Board of Assessment Appeals: Republican Brendan Browne.
Police Commission: Three four-year terms – Choose three from Democrats Ralph J. Barra and David Erwin and Democrat-endorsed Unaffiliated Joshua Hubbard and Republicans Paul Bowler, George Moreira and Thomas C. King.
Water Pollution Control Authority: For two four-year positions – Choose two from Democrats Mark Petrucci and Charles “Casey” Larkin IV and Republican Antonio Mancini. Due to minority representation, Republicans were limited to one candidate.
Library Trustees: Choose two from Democrats Janice Paul and Janice Joseph and Republicans Rita H. Smith and Mary C. Veillette.
Pomperaug Valley Water Authority: For a full six-year term, Democrat Michael Yantorno. Minority representation allows for only a Democratic candidate. For a two-year vacancy term, choose Democrat Christian Yantorno or Republican Christopher Gilbertie.
Region 15 Board of Education: Choose two from Democrats Shannon Martin and Jonathan Woodhouse and Republicans Shannon Cavallo and John Jenusaitis.
Vote in person Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury.
