First Selectman Jeff Capeci on June 24 officially announced his campaign for reelection, alongside longtime public servant and community advocate Charles Gardner as his running mate for Selectman. Capeci is currently in his first term as the town's top leader.

“Serving as First Selectman has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Capeci said via press release. “Over the past two years, we’ve made meaningful progress in strengthening our financial footing, investing in our schools, and preserving the character that makes Newtown such a special place to live.

"I’m running for reelection because there’s more work to be done — and I’m excited to run with Charles Gardner, someone who shares my commitment to thoughtful leadership, transparency, and a people-first approach,” he added.

Together, Capeci and Gardner bring decades of experience in municipal governance, fiscal oversight, and civic engagement. Capeci has served Newtown for over 20 years in a variety of elected roles, including multiple terms on the Board of Selectmen, chair of the Legislative Council and a Charter Revision Commission.

Gardner previously served as Vice Chair of the Legislative Council and as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals and Zoning Board of Appeals, and is widely respected for his steady leadership and deep community roots.

Their campaign will focus on maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency; expanding Newtown’s commercial and industrial grand list through smart, sustainable development; continuing the revitalization of Fairfield Hills into a vibrant town center; supporting seniors, veterans, and caregivers through targeted programs and services; preserving Newtown’s rural charm, open space, and historic identity through sound planning; enhancing public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and overall quality of life; and trengthening education and youth engagement, and promoting opportunities for working families and small businesses.

Gardner says he is “to call Newtown home and to serve it in several capacities, and believe that the core of good local governance is responsible stewardship and responsiveness to the community.

“I’m honored to run with Jeff and help build on the good work already underway, while continuing to listen to and serve all the voices of our wonderful town,” he added.

Capeci has been a Newtown resident for 29 years, while Gardner has contributed to the community for nine years.

Capeci has a distinguished engineering career manufacturing software development. Outside of his career, he is an avid runner and an artisan sourdough bread enthusiast, even hosting classes to raise funds for FAITH Food Pantry and St Rose School. He and his wife, Tanya, proudly raised their two children, Bradley and Greta, in Newtown; they are now working as an engineer and Registered Nurse (RN), respectively.

Gardner lives in Sandy Hook with his wife, Kathy, and four children. An attorney who practiced litigation in Connecticut for many years, Gardner now works as a researcher focusing on economics and land use. In his free time, he enjoys being on court with Newtown Tennis Association and hiking with his family through Lower Paugussett State Forest near his home.

Capeci and Gardner plan to officially launch their campaign in the coming weeks, with opportunities for residents to meet the candidates, share ideas, and "get involved in shaping a stronger, more vibrant Newtown."