The Fairfield Town Clerk said Wednesday that a petition that would call for a special election for first selectman has been certified.

In a statement, The Fairfield Republican Town Committee said they surpassed "the required 5% threshold in just one week and continued to grow over the 15-day collection period."

Town Clerks Betsy Browne says a notice has been sent to the Board of Selectmen for them to set a date for the election.

The RTC said holding the special election at the same time as November municipal election would be the most efficient option.

After the death of First Selectman Bill Gerber in July, Democrat Christine Vitale was appointed to the position.

Following that decision, Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang said he would pursue a special election to fill the reminder of Gerber's term.

The town charter allows for a special election if signatures are gathered from at least 5% of registered voters.

"I am profoundly grateful to the people of Fairfield and Southport for their overwhelming support in demanding a special election. From the very beginning, my principle has been clear: people before politics. As your endorsed candidate for First Selectman, I will lead with integrity, listen with respect, and work tirelessly every day to build consensus and deliver results. Together, we are showing that Fairfield is united, determined, and ready to build a stronger future for everyone," said Hwang.

"First Selectman Christine Vitale has hit the ground running with the grace, collaboration, and vision to lead Fairfield and continue to help our community heal. She brings a proud record of dedicated local service, and the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee is ready to help her run a strong campaign to remain our First Selectman. The voters of Fairfield already chose her to lead alongside Bill Gerber until 2027. We are confident they will stand with her once again, choosing the stability, continuity, and the proven, bipartisan leadership needed to unite our community and lead Fairfield into the future," said Steve Sheinberg, chairman of the Fairfield Democrat Town Committee.