With full results from Stamford still to come, seven-term incumbent state Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125th) narrowly led fellow town resident Meredith Tobitsch, the Democratic challenger, in a race for the 125th state House district, which includes parts of New Canaan, Darien and north Stamford.
Outside the polls at Saxe Middle School on Nov. 3, 2026. Credit: Michael Dinan
Election Day also saw New Canaanites vote “Yes” on five out of six ballot questions regarding the Town Charter, only voting “No” on this question: “Shall the current Charter be changed to no longer require Board of Finance members to be real property taxpayers?”
As of 3 a.m. Wednesday, O’Dea had 5,445 total votes (including 3,784 in New Canaan and 214 in Darien) compared to Tobitsch’s 5,185 (including 2,855 in New Canaan and 156 in Darien), according to unofficial results from the municipalities. The figures represent about 98.6% of the total vote, with more Stamford ballots still to count, according to CT Insider.
The 260-vote difference represents a 51%-49% lead for O’Dea, who fended off challenges in 2024 with 56% of the vote (versus Democratic challenger Jason Bennett) and 2022 with 54% (versus Democratic challenger Victor Alvarez).
In all, 8,814 people voted in New Canaan, according to unofficial results released by the head moderator—about 60% of the electorate. The turnout is in line with the 2022 midterms. This year, 3,828 people voted early in New Canaan, according to Liz Orteig, Democratic registrar of voters.
Here’s a look at contested race results:
How New Canaan Voted: Election Day 2026 [UPDATING]
* Source: Head Moderator, Town of New Canaan
Office Candidates (winner in bold) New Canaan tally* Overall**
Governor and Lieutenant Governor Ryan Fazio and Matthew Corey (R) 4,406 503,032
Ned Lamont and Susan Bysiewicz (D) 4,408 718,126
4th Congressional Jim Himes (D) 4,538 156,445
Michael Ted Goldstein (R) 3,845 77,960
Benjamin Wesley (I) 107 4,054 ("other candidates")
State Senate 26th Samantha Nestor (D) 681 28,572
Alma Sarelli (R) 653 15,144
State Senate 36th Joe Kelly (R) 3,811 18,761
Jill Oberlander (D) 3,574 22,896
State House 125th Tom O'Dea (R) 3,784 5,445
Meredith Tobitsch (D) 2,855 5,185
State House 142nd Lucy Dathan (D) 434 6,143
Don Mastronardi (R) 311 2,922
** Awaiting final numbers from the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
This year’s election also featured six proposed changes to the Town Charter that became widely discussed in New Canaan as Election Day approached. The ballot questions can be found here. Here are the results:
Election 2026: New Canaan Voted—Town Charter Revision
*Source: New Canaan Registrars of Voters
Question Synopsis Yes No
#1 New "administrative" and "operational" authorities for the first selectman over election officials and others. 6,234 1,676
#2 Town Council confirms P&Z appointments. 6,088 1,652
#3 Town Council approves changes to town-owned property. 6,534 1,364
#4 Board of Finance members no longer need to be real property taxpayers. 1,854 6,058
#5 Ethics Board will have three alternate members. 5,245 2,438
#6 Various additions and deletions to the Town Charter. (See proposed changes here.) 6,661 1,168
State Rep. Savet Constantine (D-24) ran unopposed.
Statewide, the Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont won re-election to a third term by fending off a challenge from Republican Ryan Fazio, while Democrats also swept offices including attorney general, treasurer, secretary of the state and comptroller.
The New Canaan tallies and contested race results came amid gains nationally for the Democratic party.