Three Democrats Filed for New Haven Ward 24 Seat
The special election for the Edgewood alder vacancy is set to occur on November 10, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Three Democratic candidates have filed to run for the vacant Edgewood Ward 24 alder seat in New Haven. The election was initiated following the departure of Evette Hamilton, who concluded a 15-year tenure in the role.
Why it matters
The special election will determine who serves the remainder of the current two-year term for the Edgewood neighborhood representative. This contest marks the third such election held in New Haven during 2026.
Official candidate filings include Jennifer Tillman, Randall Furlow, and Lindsey Tengatenga, who seek to fill the seat through the end of 2027. Candidates must finalize their ballot access via petition or party nomination by October 5, 2026.
The players
Jennifer Tillman
She is one of the three Democratic candidates seeking the Ward 24 seat and has a 30-year career in social work.
Randall Furlow
He is a Democratic candidate who has filed to run for the vacant Edgewood alder position.
Lindsey Tengatenga
She is a Democratic candidate for the seat and has been a resident of the Edgewood neighborhood for 12 years.
Evette Hamilton
She recently vacated her seat after serving as the Ward 24 alder for a 15-year tenure.
The details
The vacancy in Edgewood Ward 24 was created by the exit of Evette Hamilton, who served as alder for 15 years. Candidates in the race bring various backgrounds, including Jennifer Tillman, who has a 3-decade career in social work, and Lindsey Tengatenga, a 12-year resident of the ward.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Deadline for petitioning and party nominations.
November 10, 2026: The date of the special election.
December 31, 2027: The end of the current two-year alder term.
Political Context
This election follows a pattern established by two prior special elections in New Haven this year, highlighting a rare series of leadership transitions. Opposition may focus on the frequency of these mid-term contests and the resulting consistency in local legislative representation.
Residents of Edgewood Ward 24 will have the opportunity to select their next representative to manage neighborhood-specific legislative concerns. The chosen candidate will represent the ward's interests in city government until the current two-year term expires in December 2027.
The takeaway
Special elections provide a mechanism for voters to fill unexpected vacancies outside of standard municipal cycles. Engaging with the filing and election timeline allows residents to influence who will hold office for the remainder of the active term.
What happens next
Candidates must secure party nominations or complete the petitioning process by October 5, 2026, to officially appear on the ballot. Residents will cast their votes on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the local voting process, visit New Haven Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Haven Indy.
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