Darien Democrats Endorse Municipal Candidates For November Election

DARIEN, CT — Darien Democrats held their Municipal Caucus on May 21 and endorsed several candidates to serve in local elected office.

This year's election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The endorsed Democratic candidates are:

• Susan Gray – Democratic Registrar of Voters
• Francisco Cardona – Judge of Probate
• Crystal Hill – Board of Education
• Peter Orphanos – Board of Education

"The Darien Democrats have a long-standing tradition of nominating outstanding residents who have served our community with distinction and we are proud to continue that tradition," said Darien Democratic Town Committee Chair Erika Procaccini, in a news release.

"This November, Darien voters have the opportunity to elect these dedicated community leaders who are all accomplished professionals, experts in their fields, and individuals deeply committed to our town and its residents," Procaccini added. "We look forward to an active election season marked by thoughtful conversation and constructive debate."

Susan Gray, candidate for Democratic Registrar of Voters

Gray, an attorney and 35-year Darien resident, is seeking her fifth term in office.

She was one of four registrars selected to be a mentor in the Next Generation Ambassadors Program, where she trained 30 Fairfield County college students in election preparation, election law, and voting procedures during the 2024 and 2025 election cycles.

"Voting is one of our most important rights," said Gray in a news release. "Ensuring the integrity of the process allows Darien residents’ voices to be heard and accurately recorded."

Francisco Cardona, candidate for Judge of Probate

Cardona is seeking his first term for the position of Judge of Probate, which serves Darien and New Canaan. Cardona has lived in Darien since 2019.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut (2003) and Western New England School of Law, Cardona has been licensed to practice in Connecticut since 2010 and has more than a decade of experience representing clients in family law, personal injury, probate, civil litigation, and criminal defense.

He began his legal career in Hartford and later established his own firm, Complete Service Law (CS Law), based in Darien.

Cardona also serves as a hearing officer for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, a board member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Connecticut and an active member of the CT Bar Association. He has also volunteered with St. Joseph’s Parenting Center in Stamford, and he received an Outstanding Service Award from the Darien Community Association for his pro bono representation.

"The role of the Judge of Probate requires more than knowledge of the law," said Cardona in a news release. "A probate judge must listen carefully and treat every individual with respect and compassion during some of life’s most difficult moments. I look forward to connecting with voters and sharing the qualities I bring to this important position, and learning more about the community’s needs."

Crystal Hill, candidate, Darien Board of Education

Hill is seeking her first term on the Darien Board of Education.

A 15-year Darien resident and parent of four children in Darien Public Schools, Hill has held leadership roles across numerous school and local organizations.

She has served as an executive board member of Noroton Presbyterian Nursery School, Tokeneke PTO, Middlesex Parents Association, and the Darien Soccer Association.

Recently, Hill completed a three-year term as chair of the Council of Darien School Parents (CDSP), the umbrella organization for DPS's Parent-Teacher Organizations.

"As the parent of four wonderfully unique children, I have seen firsthand that every student learns, develops, and succeeds in different ways," Hill said in a news release.

"My experiences as both a parent and a community volunteer have given me a strong appreciation for the challenges families navigate and the diverse perspectives that make up our community," she added. "I believe Darien Public Schools can continue to grow and adapt to support the needs of all students while preserving the high standards for which our district is known. I look forward to connecting with even more families and community members as a candidate for the Board of Education."

Peter Orphanos, candidate for Darien Board of Education

Orphanos is also seeking his first term on the school board.

A 29-year resident of Darien with his wife and daughter, a K-12 graduate of the Darien Public Schools, Orphanos has advocated for local education and has served as a member of the Council of Darien School Parents and as a DHS budget representative (2016-17).

Orphanos was elected to the RTM in 2017. He has served on the RTM’s Finance & Budget Committee (2017-2026), including as a co-chair responsible for reviewing the Board of Education Budget. He was also a part of the RTM’s Rules Committee (2022-26).

A graduate of Williams College and New York Law School, Orphanos started his career as a litigation attorney at various firms in New York City, Westchester County, and Connecticut.

In 1996, Orphanos joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving in the NYC office as an agent/supervisor specializing in counterintelligence and national security matters. He retired from the FBI in 2023 and joined Global Data Risk, a risk-advisory consulting firm.

"I am excited to run for the Darien Board of Education and continue serving the Darien community," said Orphanos in a news release. "My fellow candidate, Crystal Hill, and I bring years of experience and dedication to Darien Public Schools through our work with the Council of Darien School Parents and the Darien RTM. I am confident that the campaign ahead will result in both Crystal and me earning seats on the Board of Education this fall."