Westport RTM Member Announces Candidacy For State Senate Seat

WESTPORT, CT — Alma Sarelli, a member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting, has announced her candidacy for the Connecticut State Senate, seeking to represent the 26th District. The position is being vacated by Democrat Cece Maher, who is not seeking re-election.

The district includes all or parts of Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Sarelli, who was recently re-elected to the RTM, serves on several committees, including Public Protection, Education, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Zoning. In those roles, she has focused on public safety, education and local government operations. She also serves as a justice of the peace in Westport and is a member of the Westport Republican Town Committee’s executive board.

A Connecticut resident for 17 years, Sarelli has been involved in local civic and volunteer efforts. She has held leadership roles in community organizations and has served on nonprofit boards, supporting programming and fundraising initiatives.

Sarelli holds a degree in business management from Berkeley and co-owns an event entertainment production company with her husband. She said her experience as a business owner has informed her views on issues affecting small businesses and families.

She has also worked on political campaigns, with experience in voter outreach and grassroots organizing.

"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 in a statement. "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."

She added, "As a parent, business owner, and community volunteer, I understand how important it is for families to feel secure, supported, and heard. 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, public safety, education, support for small businesses and fiscally responsible policies.

Additional details about the campaign, including events and volunteer opportunities, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.