Alma Sarelli, a member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), today announced her candidacy for the Connecticut State Senate, seeking to represent the 26th District in Hartford.
The seat opened when Wilton’s State Sen. Ceci Maher announced she had decided not to run for re-election to make room for members of the next generation to step forward to take her place.
In addition to Wilton, the 26th District includes Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston and Westport.
Sarelli’s announcement emphasized her involvement in the Westport community during her 17 years as a CT resident, citing her “public service, volunteerism and civic leadership.” It also pointed to her work on “multiple political campaigns, gaining hands-on experience in grassroots organizing, voter outreach and community engagement.”
“She has played leadership roles in community organizations, helping support growth, expand programming, strengthen local connections, and organize events for nonprofit causes. She has also served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations and remains actively engaged in philanthropic efforts,” the press announcement read.
“For years, I’ve worked at the local level to strengthen our schools, support public safety and serve the families who make Connecticut such a special place to live,” Sarelli said. “I’m running for the State Senate because our communities deserve practical, thoughtful representation in Hartford — leadership that listens, works across differences and delivers results.”
Wilton’s Republican Town Committee Chair Andrew Warren said he was “encouraged” to see Sarelli running to represent Wilton in the State Senate.
“Her focus on affordability, strong schools and public safety reflects the priorities that matter most in our community, and her local experience and practical approach are exactly what the 26th District needs in Hartford,” Warren said.
After first being appointed to fill a vacancy on Westport’s RTM in 2024, Sarelli was re-elected in 2025. She serves on the Public Protection, Education, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Zoning Committees. She is also a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westport and serves on the Westport Republican Town Committee’s executive committee as secretary.
According to her announcement, Sarelli’s work on the RTM committees has “focused on strengthening public safety, supporting excellent schools and ensuring town government remains responsive, accountable and effective.”
Sarelli holds a degree in Business Management from Berkeley and co-owns a national event entertainment production company with her husband, which the announcement said “has given her firsthand insight into the challenges facing Connecticut’s small businesses, working families and entrepreneurs.”
“As a parent, business owner and community volunteer, I understand how important it is for families to feel secure, supported, and heard,” Sarelli added. “People want strong schools, safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a government that is responsible and responsive. I’m running to help bring people together around those shared priorities.”
Sarelli said her campaign will focus on affordability, local decision-making, public safety, support for small businesses, educational excellence and fiscally responsible policies that protect essential services and preserve Connecticut’s quality of life.
In 2022, Sarelli ran unsuccessfully for State Representative in the 136th District against Democrat Jonathan Steinberg.