Roberto Alves (politician)
Roberto Alves | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office January 22, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Nancy DiNardo |
| 32nd Mayor of Danbury | |
| Assumed office November 30, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Dean Esposito |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 30, 1983 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Robyn |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | Government website |
Roberto Lopes Alves (born August 30, 1983) is a Portuguese-born American businessman and politician serving as the current mayor of the city of Danbury, Connecticut, since November 2023.[1] Alves has also served as chair of the Democratic Party of Connecticut since January 2025.
Early life
Born in Portugal, Alves immigrated to Danbury from Brazil in 1989 when he was 5 with his Brazilian mother and Portuguese father. He graduated from Danbury Public Schools.[2]
Career
After obtaining citizenship in 2017, Alves ran for town council, but lost.[3] He ran again in 2019, and was elected to an at-large district. In 2021 he ran for mayor against Republican Dean Esposito, but lost.[4] He ran against Esposito again in 2023, and was elected as the first Latino mayor of the city of Danbury. He was also the first Democrat to be elected mayor since Gene Eriquez in 1999.[5] On November 27, 2024, Nancy DiNardo announced her retirement as Connecticut State Democratic Party Chair.[6] That same day, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont endorsed Alves to become the next chair.[7] He was later elected to this position unanimously.[8]
Personal life
He is married to his wife Robyn. They have two children.[9] On September 23, 2025, it was announced that Alves had been diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer.[10]
References
- ^ Gagne, Michael. "Democrat Roberto Alves sworn in as Danbury's 1st Latino mayor, promises 'open door and partnership'". News-Times.
- ^ Baker, Kendra. "Who is Danbury's next mayor, Roberto Alves? An immigrant, father who lives the 'Danbury experience'". News-Times.
- ^ "Prescribed form for return of votes cast at munincipal election" (PDF). Connecticut Secretary of State.
- ^ "2021 Nov 2 :: Municipal Election :: Mayor :: City/Town of Danbury". Connecticut Secretary of State.
- ^ Gagne, Michael. "Democrat Roberto Alves sworn in as Danbury's 1st Latino mayor, promises 'open door and partnership'". News-Times.
- ^ "Nancy DiNardo Will Not Seek Re-Election as CT Dems Chair; Gov. Lamont Endorses Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves for Chairman". CT Dems. November 27, 2024.
- ^ Pazniokas, Mark (November 27, 2024). "Lamont taps Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves as Democratic chair". CT Mirror.
- ^ Storace, Robert (2025-01-25). "Danbury Mayor Takes Top Role at State Democratic Party". CT Examiner. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
- ^ "Danbury Election 2021 Profile: Roberto Alves". Patch. October 8, 2021.
- ^ Juliana Lepore (September 23, 2025). "Danbury mayor, chair of Connecticut Democratic Party shares cancer diagnosis". WTNH.