Tengatenga Announced Candidacy for Ward 24 Seat
Lindsey Tengatenga has launched her campaign to replace long-serving New Haven Alder Evette Hamilton.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Lindsey Tengatenga has announced her bid for the Ward 24 Board of Alders seat in New Haven. She intends to seek election following the departure of Evette Hamilton, who has held the office since 2011.
Why it matters
Tengatenga aims to represent the interests of Ward 24 residents, a community where 85 percent of the population are renters. Her platform follows ongoing economic changes in the area, such as the vacancy of a prominent Whalley Avenue Walgreens.
Ward 24 features a population composed of 85 percent renters, according to current demographic data. Local commercial activity includes long-standing businesses like A-1 Oriental Kitchen, which has operated for 31 years.
The players
Lindsey Tengatenga
She is the executive director for Five Frogs and a 12-year resident of the Edgewood neighborhood.
Evette Hamilton
She has served as the alder of Ward 24 in New Haven since being elected in 2011.
Randall Furlow
He is a candidate who has also announced his intention to run in the upcoming special election.
The details
Tengatenga, who has resided in Edgewood for 12 years, plans to file her candidacy paperwork once Hamilton officially steps down in September 2026. She will appear on the ballot under her maiden name, Lindsey Eichler, and currently focuses her outreach on neighborhood concerns along Whalley Avenue.
Timeline
Evette Hamilton has served as alder since 2011.
The Whalley Avenue Walgreens has been vacant since March 2025.
Evette Hamilton will step down from her position in September 2026.
The special election for the Ward 24 seat is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
Market Landscape
The special election triggers a transition for the Board of Alders that reflects the ongoing shift in local representation priorities. This process dictates the competitive environment for the seat as potential candidates vie to address the needs of an area dominated by a large renter population.
Residents of Ward 24 can expect shifting campaign engagement throughout the neighborhood as candidates prepare for the November 2026 vote. Local renters and business owners will likely see increased focus on neighborhood policy as contenders address local infrastructure and commercial vacancies.
The takeaway
The upcoming special election offers residents of Ward 24 a direct opportunity to shape the future of their district following Hamilton's long tenure. Voters should monitor official filings with the city clerk to identify all confirmed candidates before the November 10, 2026, election date.
Further reading
For more updates on local governance and board vacancies, visit the New Haven Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Haven Indy.
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