Preston — The Democratic Town Committee endorsed first-term First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier Monday for reelection, along with Selectman Jerry Grabarek as its candidates in the Nov. 2 election.
Allyn-Gauthier, and the entire Board of Selectmen, could be running unopposed. The Republican Town Committee on Friday did not endorse a candidate to run for first selectman and endorsed incumbent Selectman Kenneth Zachem for reelection.
Allyn-Gauthier is completing her first term after she was elected in 2019 following the retirement of Republican First Selectman Robert Congdon. Just three months into her term, COVID-19 hit the state and region. Allyn-Gauthier quickly closed Town Hall and shifted meetings to video or teleconferences. Preston Town Hall remained one of the last in the region to reopen fully to the public, as selectmen remained concerned about the virus and the slow pace of vaccinations in town. About 55% of Preston residents are fully vaccinated.