![]() | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject.(February 2025) |
Roberto Alves | |
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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 | Portugal | August 30,1983
Political 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.
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]
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]
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]