A Republican candidate has come forward to challenge Democratic State Sen. Ceci Maher‘s re-election campaign. In a press release sent to media on Friday morning, July 19, Westport resident Kami Evans announced her candidacy to run for the State Senate seat for District 26.
In her announcement, Evans called herself “a passionate advocate for ‘Family Values and Community Strength.'” A longtime resident of Westport (who has also recently lived in New Canaan), she formerly ran her own public relations and marketing company and also worked as the marketing director of the Westport Downtown Association.
She has held other leadership positions at various civic organizations and businesses in Fairfield County. According to her LinkedIn profile, Evans has been the Director of Marketing and Development for the Westport Museum for History and Culture; the Director of Business Development at U ARE HEARD (an online college coaching and counseling service); and the Director of Community Outreach for the Gymnastics and Cheer Academy of Fairfield.
The press releases lists work with other nonprofits, including Filling In the Blanks and the Barnum Festival as well as serving on the boards of the Westport Downtown Association and Saugatuck Nursery School. It also said that Evans is a Minute Man Yacht Club Governor, part of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, and participated in the AWARECT Gala committee focusing on empowerment of women and girls.
“I am running for State Senate because I believe in the potential of our community,” Evans said in her announcement. “Together, we can create a brighter future for our families, neighbors, and children. I am committed to being a voice for all residents and working tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to our district.”
Evans has not held elected office before and this would be her first run for elected office.
Evans holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). She also participated in the Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Leadership Credentials program, the Yale Law School Campaign School One-Day Training, and the Yale School of Management Executive Education Leadership for Global Business and Politics program.
In her press release, Evans outlined some of the policies she supports and on which she said her platform is based.
“[Evans] believes strong families are the backbone of a thriving community and is dedicated to advocating for policies that support working families. This includes pushing for affordable childcare, parental leave, and family-friendly workplace practices. Evans is committed to creating an environment where families can thrive, and children have the necessary resources to succeed. Evans also recognizes the importance of a united community. She is a staunch supporter of all businesses and is committed to attracting new industries to the area. Her platform includes promoting workforce development initiatives that equip residents with the skills needed for success in today’s economy. Additionally, Evans is focused on improving access to healthcare services, addressing public safety concerns, and implementing programs that support mental health and substance abuse treatment,” the press release said.
The 26th District includes Wilton, Weston, Westport, Redding and the lower half of Ridgefield as well as small portions of New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.
The story has been corrected to include Redding and Ridgefield as portions of the 26th State Senate District. They were omitted from the original story.
I love seeing people enter the arena from different fields and perspectives – but what problems is she going to address? what’s motivating her aside from the obvious…?
Many blanket statements in the release – but absent of specifics…and very family focused… I guess, like JD Vance, she doesn’t think childless cat ladies should have a voice… then again, she is running as a republican so fits the platform. I would love to hear more from her on specifics as there are a lot of problems that need fixing before big ticket items should be broached.