WESTPORT — Matthew Mandell, a 20-year member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting and the longtime executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, has officially announced his candidacy for State Representative for Connecticut’s 136th District.

Mandell, an advocate for open space preservation and historic protection, made the announcement through a campaign video outlining his priorities and reasons for seeking the seat.

Mandell is running for the seat that Jonathan Steinberg has held for 16 years. Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election.

Mandell maintains the importance of local control over town planning decisions while understanding the need for additional affordable and workforce housing in Westport. He claims his decades of civic involvement and grassroots leadership have prepared him for representing Westport in Hartford.

“I have always had Westport’s best interests in mind,” Mandell said. “From preserving the Partrick Wetlands and saving the Kemper Gunn House to creating unique town festivals and most recently spearheading the establishment of an Affordable Housing Fund, I have worked to strengthen this community. I believe I can do even more for Westport by serving at the state level.”

Mandell says he will be a strong supporter of consumers, the environment, alternative energy and recycling / sustainability programs. Mandell told Westport Journal that he is “looking forward to this opportunity. I will keep Westport top of mind all the time, as Westport deserves in their representation.”

Mandell promised to focus on listening closely to residents and community stakeholders, gather their concerns and ideas, and collaborate with other Hartford delegates to promote thoughtful solutions. 

More information about the campaign can be found at MandellForWestport.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.