Key Points
- An open state Senate seat means Wilton will have a new representative in Hartford.
- Nestor defeated Sarelli, while Constantine and Himes secured reelection.
- Preliminary returns show how Wilton voted in legislative, congressional and statewide races.
Why It Matters: The results determine who will represent Wilton in Hartford and Washington, with a new state senator joining returning lawmakers.
Democrat Samantha Nestor won the 26th State Senate District race Tuesday, Nov. 3, defeating Republican Alma Sarelli to become Wilton’s next state senator. She will succeed fellow Democrat Ceci Maher, who did not seek reelection, keeping the seat in Democratic hands.
Nestor, Weston’s first selectwoman, received 28,572 votes districtwide, or 65.4%, to Sarelli’s 15,114, or 34.6%, according to preliminary results.
In Wilton, Nestor won 5,050 votes to Sarelli’s 2,851, approximately 63.9% to 36.1%. Democrats led in every race listed in the town’s preliminary results.
Nestor Thanks Supporters and Young Volunteers
Nestor declared victory at approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, before Sarelli called her to concede, with returns showing a commanding lead.
“I would not have been able to do this without all of you letting me be my authentic self,” Nestor told supporters.
She credited young volunteers, including interns from Wilton and other communities, with helping power her campaign. She described giving them opportunities to knock on doors, contribute creative work and offer feedback.
“I hope I make them proud, and I hope I make you proud,” she said.
Nestor also described campaign events designed to bring people together, including a book club and readings to preschoolers that opened conversations about early childhood care.
“Community has always been what this was about,” she said.
Looking ahead to serving alongside other lawmakers in Hartford, Nestor said, “we are going to have our listening ears on, and we are going to do some really, really good work.”
Sarelli, a Westport Representative Town Meeting member who appeared on both the Republican and Independent party ballot lines, offered well wishes.
“I wish her the best of luck as she works for our district,” Sarelli said.
The 26th District includes Wilton, Weston, Westport and Redding, along with portions of Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.
Democratic state Rep. Savet Constantine ran unopposed for reelection in the 42nd State House District, receiving 5,819 votes in Wilton.
How Wilton Voted for Governor and Statewide Offices
Wilton voters favored Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, 5,178 to 2,795, over Republican challengers Ryan Fazio and Matthew Corey. The Democratic incumbents won a third term statewide.
Democratic incumbents also won reelection as secretary of the state, attorney general, treasurer and comptroller. Each carried Wilton.
Wilton Backs Himes for Another Term in Congress
Wilton gave Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes 5,289 votes to Republican Michael Ted Goldstein’s 2,524 and Independent Benjamin Wesley’s 149. Himes won reelection in Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District.
Wilton’s preliminary report also listed 2,674 votes for Democratic probate judge candidate Douglas Stern, with no opponent listed.
The Wilton results reflected the broad Democratic victories nationwide. Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, according to the Associated Press, and the results were widely described in election-night coverage as a “blue tsunami.”
Wilton Democratic Town Committee Chair Tom Dubin said his local party members are “of course, ecstatic,” both in Wilton and nationally.
“We know the night wouldn’t have gone as well without the support of so many unaffiliated voters, and even Republicans. We thank them for joining us,” he said.
Of the national results, Dubin called it “an encouraging repudiation of Donald Trump’s cruelty, incompetence, and corruption.”
“It is gratifying that the entire country, including even deeply red states, have taken such a dramatic move away from Trump and MAGA,” he said.
GOOD Morning Wilton asked for an election night comment from the Wilton Republican Town Committee leaders and will update this story when they respond.
10:10 a.m. UPDATE — RTC President Andy Warren thanked those who got involved during the 2026 election cycle. “While we are disappointed with the election results, we are grateful to our candidates, volunteers, and everyone who dedicated their time and energy to this election.”
He added that the RTC encourages all Wilton residents to stay informed and get involved at the community level.
“Strong communities aren’t built by distant institutions — they’re built by engaged citizens. That commitment doesn’t end on Election Day,” Warren said.
Results are preliminary and subject to change. Wilton totals are from the town’s preliminary Nov. 3 election report. Statewide and districtwide figures reflect the reported totals available Wednesday morning.
