Wilton resident Andy Warren has stepped into a leadership role in town politics, as the new chair of the Wilton Republican Town Committee (WRTC), effective Mar. 11.
“I’ve always been interested in government — probably less so in politics, but more in the operations of government,” Warren said. “I just had that feeling like, you know what? I need to do my part.”
In a March 26 conversation with GOOD Morning Wilton, Warren discussed his outlook and RTC priorities, including the need for improving what he calls “voter awareness” in local and state elections; recruiting volunteers who are willing to collaborate for the Town’s benefit; and emphasizing the local issues that affect Wilton residents’ best interests — while also trying to avoid the divisiveness of national politics.
Desire to Serve
Warren explained the path to his new position began with an interest in government that over time became more of a call to action in Wilton civic life.
After officially becoming an RTC member — following his daughter, Jill Duncan, who serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission — Warren was appointed to Wilton’s Economic Development Commission in December 2024, and ran for a Board of Selectmen seat in 2025.
His bid for the BOS office was unsuccessful, but Warren said his key takeaway from the Democratic sweep across all four elected boards in that election was that national politics overshadowed Wilton’s needs, even as he and other Republican candidates tried to keep their campaigns centered on voters’ local decisions.
“In our last municipal election, we really tried to focus on issues in Wilton,” he said. “When we look at the voter turnout, I would say that’s not how people voted. They voted based on federal politics more so than local.”
Warren believes party-line voting resulted in many residents overlooking candidates’ specific positions, especially on issues like housing and development, which he says often don’t break neatly along party lines.
“I just felt like we missed some really good opportunities to have some really good people involved,” he said.
Priority on “Voter Awareness”
Going forward, Warren wants to see the RTC focus on improving what he calls “voter awareness” — helping residents understand the concrete issues affecting Wilton and how candidates propose to address them — in hopes that local races are not a referendum on national party politics.
For Warren, improving awareness also means making sure people have information early enough to influence outcomes.
“So many times, a decision is made and people have an opinion after that, and it’s too late,” he said.
Warren also has a goal to find more efficient ways to improve the RTC’s communications on the most critical issues for Wilton. Recognizing it can be overwhelming for residents to stay informed of all the issues while juggling careers, families and other commitments, Warren hopes the RTC will work to “to figure out the best way… to streamline the messaging and help educate” while being “respectful of people’s time.”
Common Ground
Throughout the conversation, Warren emphasized that his goals as RTC chair are less about sharpening partisan divides and more about finding areas of common ground — something he aimed for in his recent public comments about the upcoming ‘No Kings’ rally in Wilton when he noted that the public’s right to peacefully assemble is a sign of a healthy democracy, and said nothing about political differences.
He said he strongly believes that working across the aisle is possible in Wilton.
“We all live in Wilton, and I think we all have a common cause in Wilton,” he said. “We need to focus on what we agree on and how we can make [Wilton] better.”
“[The RTC is] really … focused on Wilton, how state mandates and things affect the citizens of Wilton, and that’s what I’m passionate about,” he said. “When I look at the issues facing Wilton, I almost would say they’re not partisan — but we don’t look at them that way often.”
Warren says recruiting volunteers who are willing to collaborate for the Town’s benefit is a core responsibility for the RTC.
“Openness and willingness and desire to work together — I think that’s very important,” he said. “Focus on Wilton and what’s best for Wilton and how we work together, because we all we live in a very small area. We love the town of Wilton.”
Outgoing chair Peter Wrampe, who will continue to serve as RTC vice chair, offered enthusiastic support for his successor.
“After more than six rewarding years serving as chair of the Wilton Republican Town Committee, I felt the time was right to pass the baton to a new generation of leadership,” Wrampe wrote in a statement sent to GMW. “The RTC elected Andy Warren as our new Chair, and I could not be more enthusiastic about the choice.”
“Andy brings energy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our community,” Wrampe continued. “He understands what makes our town special and is dedicated to preserving its character while supporting thoughtful, balanced growth and smart investment in community amenities and infrastructure.”
First Selectman’s Perspective
As the top Republican in Wilton, First Selectman Toni Boucher took the opportunity to congratulate Warren and commend him for taking on a demanding volunteer role — something she said often comes at the expense of one’s personal and professional life.
“I congratulate Andy Warren on his new position as Wilton RTC chairman and thank him for his willingness to step up and serve the party and our community,” she said. “Now more than ever we need good people to step up.”
Boucher noted that public scrutiny comes with the territory, especially in the polarized political climate.
“It is not an easy time to be involved in politics at any level,” she continued. “You may be subjected to public and media criticisms and at times even hostility during these polarizing times.”
Boucher praised “both sides” of party leadership in Wilton for setting the right tone.
“We have been fortunate here to have outstanding party leadership on both sides of the aisle,” she said. “They have strived to recruit candidates who are respectful and collaborative, and work hard to make our community better.”
She noted that both the RTC and DTC are, in effect, “the HR departments for their respective parties” in terms of their role in nominating candidates to serve on Wilton’s myriad boards and commissions, both elected and appointed. As for the RTC, Boucher said the new leadership should cast a wide net and continue to look for constructive bipartisanship in its ranks.
“The party should continue to seek people with differing backgrounds and views who will to put in the time and effort to sit around the table, speak courteously to one other, and reach compromises to help move our community forward,” she said. “Choosing individuals who will reach across party lines, listen, and respect their colleagues is the best way to achieve mutual goals, improving the quality of life for everyone.”
The Republicans lost because of Toni, not Donald. You cannot blame this on national politics. The results were all local.