BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – In preparation for this year’s local elections for Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education, the Unrig Bridgeport coalition – a broad-based, grassroots coalition of local and statewide organizations working together to fix Bridgeport’s democracy – will hold a press conference today, Tuesday, January 24th at 10:00am at McLevy Green to announce their year-long “Year of Change’‘ voter engagement campaign.

The launch will include local leaders and state allies who are standing together to center the people of Bridgeport’s voices, this year’s most pressing issues, and highlight the power of voting. Leaders will also lay out the campaign vision and plan, including the March release of the 2023 People’s Platform, an endorsement process for local candidates, and a small donor fundraising drive. 

“When we vote with collective purpose, we build political power to enact a vision – a platform – for our communities,” said Ronelle Swagerty, secretary of the Greater Bridgeport Ed Gomes Black Democratic Club. “This year’s elections for Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education will not simply be a popularity contest. Candidates will have to respond with their vision and plan for the issues we know that voters care most about.”

The Unrig Bridgeport coalition includes the following organizations: Bridgeport Generation Now Votes, Bridgeport Strong, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Greater Bridgeport NAACP, Greater Bridgeport Ed Gomes Black Democratic Club, Make the Road Action, PT Partners, and SEIU 1199 New England. Speakers will include representatives from coalition organizations.

“It’s an exciting year in Bridgeport, the people are organized and ready for change,” said Gemeem Davis, president and co-director of Bridgeport Generation Now Votes. “Corruption doesn’t define us, it’s just in the way. We know with new leadership, our public schools can be improved, housing can be more affordable, and investment and job opportunities can benefit everyone, not just a select few.”

Unrig Bridgeport’s Year of Change campaign comes on the heels of some big wins. In 2021, the coalition engaged with thousands of Bridgeport voters and released The People’s Platform: a policy plan that offers a positive vision for justice and equity, good government, and pro-democracy – and takes on the culture of systemic corruption in the Park City.

“Corruption doesn’t define us, it’s just in the way. We know with new leadership, our public schools can be improved, housing can be more affordable, and investment and job opportunities can benefit everyone, not just a select few.”

Gemeem Davis, president and co-director of Bridgeport Generation Now Votes

During the 2021 primaries, all candidates for City Council, Board of Education were invited to complete a questionnaire, interview, and pledge to the platform. The Unrig Bridgeport Coalition then announced their first-ever slate of political endorsements and 6 out of 7 candidates won! Other coalition wins include passing The Empowered City Council Act which staffs City Council with the support it needs to be an independent branch of local government, as well as securing an Election Monitor that oversees Bridgeport’s elections.

Bridgeporters want a city government that is free from systemic corruption and racism, is focused on policy, and provides them with the high-quality city services they need and deserve. In 2023, the Unrig Bridgeport coalition is proud once again to support candidates who will share a commitment to building a more just, equitable, and livable city for all.

“We won’t stop making moves until we see the changes our ancestors fought for, what we continue fighting for in our city,” said Dione Dwyer, resident leader and systems change fellow with PT Partners. “We’re fighting for the freedom of Black women and the destruction of oppressive systems.”