Politics & Government

Campbell 'Considering Not Running' For Second Term [Update]

Campbell told a recent gathering of local first selectmen that he might not seek reelection to the town's top office.

First Selectman Dave Campbell is "considering not running" for a second term as Darien's top elected official this November, potentially clearing the way for fellow Republican and board member Jayme Stevenson to run for the post.

Campbell introduced the possibility at a recent luncheon of local first selectmen, reportedly telling them that he might step back and focus on his business. Campbell serves as president and CEO of .

"I haven't decided what I'm doing yet," Campbell said Monday in an interview. "I'll decide in the next couple of months."

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The first selectman said that the conversation at the meeting had been "all over the map" and that he hadn't made a definitive statement about his or Stevenson's intentions.

Campbell  in 2009, defeating Democratic candidate and selectman Callie Sullivan with 70 percent of the vote.

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Campbell, Stevenson, and fellow GOP selectman Jerry Nielsen that they would run again for the board but did not specify who would run for the top spot.

"Jayme, Jerry, and I have enjoyed working for the people of Darien," Campbell said in a statement at the time. "We are always learning and feel that we can continue to provide strong, thoughtful leadership to the town."

Stevenson said Monday that she "absolutely applaud[s]" the job Campbell has done as first selectman and that she hopes he will run for a second term.

"If he should choose to not do that, I would respect that decision and would take it under consideration at that time to potentially run," she said.

Stevenson added that the conversation between the three Republicans had not progressed beyond "our collective desire to run for reelection."


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