Christine Vitale declared victory in the special election for Fairfield first selectperson.

Vitale ran against State Sen. Tony Hwang.

She declared victory just before 9 p.m.

She and Fairfield Democrats describe Vitale's win as landslide victory.

The race was triggered last summer when former Democratic First Selectperson Bill Gerber revealed he was suffering from a brain tumor. Gerber later died, and his running mate, Vitale, assumed the role.

Town Republicans called for a special election, citing the need for transparency.

Hwang gathered enough signatures to bring the election to the ballot.