New Haven, Conn. – On Tuesday, voters at East Rock School elected Co‑Op High School biology teacher Maria‑Threese Serana to fill the vacant Ward 9 alder seat left open when former Alderman Caroline Tanbee Smith moved out of the district. Serana, who identifies as a democratic socialist, received 186 votes, far surpassing her opponent Gavin Arnold’s 16 votes. She also swept all seven early‑voting ballots and both absentee ballots cast in the race.
Endorsements and Community Support
Serana’s campaign was bolstered by the Connecticut chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, the president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, and the Ward 9 Democratic Ward Committee. After the polls closed, roughly a dozen DSA supporters gathered outside East Rock School, including state Rep. Laurie Sweet and local activist Justin Farmer. Downtown/Yale Alder Elias Theodore and Downtown/East Rock Alder Christine Kim also attended to show their support.
Candidate Backgrounds
Serana has spent a decade working in New Haven Public Schools as a paraeducator, substitute teacher, and now full‑time biology instructor. She is a 21‑year resident of New Haven and a five‑year resident of Ward 9. Her son, John Carlos Serana Musser, recently served as a student representative on the Board of Education.
Gavin Arnold, the runner‑up, is a business analysis manager at Webster Bank and an avid runner. He received a single vote from each of the two candidates who withdrew from the race two weeks prior – Blaise Berglund and Conor Gilligan – after they threw their support behind Serana.
Campaign Priorities
During her campaign, Serana pledged to champion “truly world‑class public schools” by accelerating building repairs and improving teacher retention. She also advocated for expanding affordable housing, enhancing climate‑resilience measures, and bringing a working‑class movement perspective to Ward 9 governance.
Implications for the Board of Alders
Serana’s victory makes her the second democratic socialist to serve on New Haven’s Board of Alders, following former Ward 9 Alderman Charles Decker. She will serve the remainder of Smith’s two‑year term, which runs through the end of 2027.
Broader Context
This special election marks the second alder race in New Haven this year. Earlier, Downtown/East Rock Alderman Eli Sabin resigned to run for state office, prompting a February special election that was won by Alderman Christine Kim. Another special election is slated for September 30, when Alderman Evette Hamilton plans to step down from Ward 24; Democrat Randall Furlow has already announced his candidacy.
Local Democratic Socialists also backed state‑rep‑candidate Justin Farmer in a recent primary for the 92nd General Assembly District, though Farmer was not successful. The DSA’s growing involvement in New Haven’s municipal politics reflects a broader national trend of left‑leaning activists seeking elected office.
Looking Ahead
Serana’s term will focus on the issues she highlighted during her campaign, with particular attention to school infrastructure, teacher support, and affordable housing. Residents of Ward 9 and the broader New Haven community will be watching to see how her policy proposals translate into action on the Board of Alders.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
