Ed Board Challenger Wins Dem Endorsement

Andrea Downer won the local Democratic Party’s endorsement in her challenger bid to serve on the city’s Board of Education, as two-term incumbent Darnell Goldson opted not to be nominated at the convention — and now must petition his way onto the primary ballot. 

Hosted at Betsy Ross Parish Hall at 150 Kimberly Ave. in The Hill, the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) backed Downer during its endorsement convention Tuesday night. 

At the convention, Democratic co-chairs from each of the city’s 30 wards endorsed Justin Elicker for another term as mayor and Michael Smart for another term as city/town clerk. They also backed alder candidates in each of their respective wards. 

For the Board of Education seat up for election this year — one of two elected seats on the New Haven school board, each of which represents a different half of the city — the committee co-chairs endorsed Downer. That means that her name will appear at the top of the ballot during the Sept. 12 Democratic Party primary. The seat is currently filled by Goldson, who chose not to be nominated at the convention, criticized the endorsement process as ​“antiquated,” and now must gather roughly 828 signatures by Aug. 9 to make it onto the primary ballot.

Tuesday’s endorsement marks Downer’s latest step forward in her attempt to unseat incumbent school board rep Darnell Goldson. Standing amongst a cheering and clapping crowd in the 100-year-old oak-covered, high ceiling-ed room, Downer felt ready to take on the elections.

“Thank you for believing in me,” said Downer. ​“I believe in the New Haven Public School system, in its quality, and I am eager to get on the board and bring back this quality, because our students need it.”

Downer, born and raised in New Haven, graduated from New Haven Public Schools and said she will work to make sure the board, schools, parents, and students work closely together. 

At the convention, she was nominated for endorsement by Ward 21 Democratic Ward Committee Co-Chair Ray Jackson. Jackson, who has known Downer for many years, said she is neighborhood- and goal-oriented, focused on student success, and resourceful.

“Downer is very active in our community and believes in children’s access to equitable outcomes when it comes to receiving quality education,” said Jackson while nominating Downer.

Downer, who currently serves as a Ward 27 co-chair, was seconded by fellow Ward 27 co-chair Judy Sparer. Sparer, who has known Downer personally for years, described her as a fierce listener and involved team worker.

Incumbent Darnell Goldson was not nominated for endorsement at Tuesday’s convention, opting to have to petition to get on the ballot instead.

For candidates who do not receive endorsement, the next step is to gather signatures from 5 percent of registered Democratic voters in the area that they are running to represent in order to be listed on the ballot. Goldson must now gather 828 signatures in total by Aug. 9 to make it onto September’s ballot.

“I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time today, so I am just going to go out there and get the signatures,” Goldson said after Downer’s endorsement. ​“This is an antiquated process, and having this next goal of getting signatures simply gives me the push I need to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Looking forward to a much simpler path to the primaries than Goldson’s, Downer said she is excited to continue gathering the support of the community.

“There is much work to be done still,” said Downer after the convention. ​“I am gearing up to hear concerns from the community, meet parents and students, and to also take a step back to reflect on the path I have taken to get here.”