Dan Carter gains Bethel first selectman’s post in Republican special election gain.

Dan Carter, a former state representative, won Tuesday’s Bethel special election for first selectman. Carter defeated acting first selectman Rich Straiton, a Democrat. The election became necessary when incumbent Democrat Matt Knickerbocker abandoned his job to become town administrator in Wilton. Straiton was second selectman for 13 years before becoming acting first selectman.

Carter served three terms in the House and was the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2016. He was defeated by Democratic incumbent Richard Blumenthal.

Published February 7, 2023.