News

Statement from Barbara:

I am thrilled that the Democrats of Norwalk placed their confidence in me.  I want to thank my opponent and friend, Darlene Young, for a fair race. I would also like to thank my team and the countless volunteers who knocked doors, wrote postcards, made calls, and stood outside at the polls all day. There is no win without them, and I will forever be grateful for their hard work and trust in my vision for Norwalk. 

With the primary behind us, I am ready to lead the Democratic ticket on to November.  We are well underway, speaking with voters in every neighborhood in Norwalk, and the message we are hearing is clear: Norwalkers want a government committed to creating a sustainable, vibrant community that is inclusive to all people, where housing meets the needs of our seniors, young people, and families from all economic backgrounds. A city that grows at a responsible rate and maintains the historic and cultural feel of our neighborhoods, where people from all walks of life feel safe and included. Together with the rest of the Democratic slate, we will fight to win in November, to ensure that Donald Trump’s MAGA policies have no place in our city.

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In the press:

https://www.thehour.com/news/article/norwalk-democratic-primary-mayor-barbara-smyth-win-21033104.php

Barbara shares why she is running for Mayor on Trevor Crows’ radio show, Trevor & Friends — check it out! 

Norwalk, CT –  State Representative Lucy Dathan has officially endorsed Barbara Smyth for Mayor of Norwalk, highlighting her exceptional qualifications and unwavering commitment to public service.

“I’m delighted to endorse Barbara Smyth for Norwalk’s next Mayor. As a former Common Council president and a lifelong educator, Barbara brings a rare blend of practical experience and deep empathy to public service. She understands firsthand how policy decisions impact families, classrooms, and communities—and she leads with that awareness every day. Barbara doesn’t just talk about values—she lives them. Her steady, thoughtful leadership has earned the respect of colleagues across the aisle. We need a mayor who listens, acts with integrity, and never forgets that the heart of public service is people. Barbara Smyth is that leader,” said Dathan.

Watch the video:

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released the following statement endorsing Council President Barbara Smyth for Mayor of the City of Norwalk.

“I met Barbara more than a decade ago working alongside my mother at Ponus Ridge Middle School prior to her election on the Common Council. She was a language arts teacher and my mom was the librarian. They became fast friends and when I met Barbara, I immediately knew why. Barbara is an intelligent, caring and calm person. She had the perfect demeanor to be a successful teacher, especially a middle school teacher. 

“Barbara then took a position at Norwalk High School and one of my boys was fortunate enough to have her as his English teacher. Once again, she showed her ability to nurture, listen and effectively lead her classroom ensuring student engagement and academic success. To this day, he considers Mrs. Smyth one of his favorite teachers.  

“Barbara, her husband Peter, Tracey and I all overlapped as Norwalk High School band parents. I watched Barbara interact with the students. They loved her. She always rolled up her sleeves to do whatever was needed in order to support our students. 

“Before Barbara ran for the Common Council, we talked about the trials and tribulations of public office. Barbara ran in 2017, during a time when our country was experiencing the first Trump administration. She decided to run for all the right reasons – to make a difference in her community, to improve the lives of those she served and to provide a fresh perspective.

“With less than two months into the new Trump administration and Norwalkers feeling even more anxiety, uncertainty and concern than ever before, Barbara is running for mayor for the same reasons as in 2017. As mayor, Barbara will be a steady hand yet a force for good. She understands that we must invest in education, our infrastructure – roads, sidewalks and schools, we must be fiscally responsible in order to attract middle class families and keep seniors in Norwalk and she understands that we must grow responsibly as our city continues to be the envy of the state.

“Barbara’s roots are here, her family is here and I know she will have the city’s best interest at heart as the next mayor of Norwalk. Barbara will be a wonderful partner in my role as a state senator. 

“Barbara Smyth has my full endorsement for mayor. This fall, the future of the city is on the ballot and the stakes are high. To sit on the sidelines would be a mistake, which is why I am sharing the news about my decision.  I look forward to getting ready to work for Barbara today.”  

Four-term Common Council member is, “Ready to lead on day one”

Common Council President Barbara Smyth filed papers with the Town Clerk to run for Mayor of the City of Norwalk earlier today. Barbara Smyth is a retired Norwalk Public School teacher, four-term member of the Norwalk Common Council, mother of three, and grandmother. She is a committed public servant with a proven track record of experience to ensure that Norwalk maintains its excellent public education system and continues to grow as a vibrant, affordable, sustainable, and equitable City for all.

Barbara Smyth issued the following statement upon filing her papers: 

“I’m here today to file my candidacy for Mayor of Norwalk. I’m a 26-year resident, retired Norwalk Public School teacher, four-time elected member of the Common Council, a mother of three grown children, and grandmother to Henry and Lila. I love Norwalk. I am running because I’m a committed public servant with a proven record of experience to ensure that Norwalk maintains its excellent public education system, and continues to grow as a vibrant, affordable, sustainable, and equitable City for all.

It has been my great honor to serve on the Common Council—as a member, Council President, and Majority Leader. I have fought for robust funding for our schools, worked to keep taxes fair, supported responsible, sustainable development, green initiatives, affordable housing, and improved the quality of life for all of Norwalk’s citizens. I have deep working relationships with City staff and community leaders and a solid understanding of negotiating and collaborating to get things done.

I’ve also worked as a dedicated teacher at Ponus Ridge Middle School and Norwalk High School, where I helped students achieve, believe in themselves, and be good citizens of the world. As a teacher, I learned the importance of reflection and always working to do things better.

Many of you also know me as a mom and your neighbor. My children, Alison, Ben, and Ethan, graduated from Norwalk schools, attending Cranbury Elementary, West Rocks Middle School, and Norwalk High School. 

I want to thank Harry Rilling for transforming Norwalk from a city that was struggling financially and unable to support our schools, with a focus on big-box development and rife with cronyism and back-door handshakes, to an exciting growing city that supports small businesses, transit-oriented development, and walkability, and for bringing professionalism to City Hall.”