Edgewood’s Ward 24 elected a new alder on Tuesday, with longtime Democratic ward co‑chair Randall Furlow winning the special election by a clear margin. Furlow received 278 votes, while his fellow Democratic challenger Lindsey Eichler Tengatenga earned 151.
Background and Endorsements
The Ward 24 seat became vacant after Alderman Evette Hamilton, who served the community for 15 years, stepped down at the end of September. The Democratic ward committee endorsed Furlow, a pastor and New Haven Public Schools graduate with deep family roots in the city. His campaign was bolstered by a visible presence of local leaders, including Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Rising activists Remedy Sharif and Jaime Myers McPhail, and several sitting aldermen such as Frank Douglass, Angel Hubbard, Brittiany Mabery‑Niblack, Elias Theodore, and Board of Alders Majority Leader Richard Furlow, who is also Randall’s cousin.
Campaign Priorities
Both candidates emphasized common community concerns: improving school conditions, expanding affordable housing, and making streets safer. Furlow, 47, highlighted labor power and educational equality as top priorities, drawing on his personal experience as a graduate of the city’s public schools. Tengatenga, an equity‑focused nonprofit leader, ran on a platform of greater government transparency for her neighbors.
Victory Remarks
When the results were announced, Furlow’s supporters celebrated with confetti and cheers outside the Ellsworth Avenue firehouse. In his victory speech, Furlow said, “Everything that we have envisioned is about to come to pass. Ward 24 spoke and spoke very loudly. I think the message is plain and clear that I am the one they chose.” He added, “The work has just begun,” and pledged to honor the responsibility of serving his community.
What Comes Next
Furlow will serve the remainder of Hamilton’s two‑year term, which runs through the end of 2027. The special election follows two other municipal contests earlier this year: East Rock/Fair Haven’s Ward 9, where Maria‑Threese Serana filled a vacancy, and Downtown/East Rock’s Ward 7, where Christine Kim succeeded Eli Sabin.
Community Impact
Edgewood residents can expect a continued focus on the issues highlighted during the campaign. With a pastor at the helm, the ward may see a renewed emphasis on community cohesion, family values, and faith‑based outreach, aligning with the broader goals of the city’s Democratic leadership.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
