The Waterbury Times|Sunday Special Report|Published May 17, 2026
Waterbury- In 2023, Dawn Maiorano came within striking distance of City Hall.
Running as the Republican challenger to then BOA President Paul Pernerewski Jr., Maiorano energized a fractured local GOP base, built a visible grassroots operation, and came within 571 votes of becoming mayor of Waterbury.
At the time, many Republicans viewed her as the future face of the party in the city — aggressive, outspoken, media-savvy, and capable of turning dissatisfaction into political momentum.
But politics moves fast.
Now, as conversations quietly begin around the 2027 mayoral race, questions are emerging inside Republican circles about whether that momentum still exists.
A Party That Began to Fracture
Following the 2023 election cycle, tensions within the local Republican Party became increasingly public.
The divisions became more visible during local party contests and endorsement battles, exposing ideological and personal fractures that some Republicans privately worried could weaken the party heading into future elections.
At the same time, Maiorano’s political operation faced additional turbulence.
Political Allies and Public Controversies
Several controversies and political headaches began to orbit individuals associated with her political circle.
Among them was the arrest of political consultant Victor Cuevas, who had been involved in campaign strategy and Republican organizing efforts in Waterbury.
Meanwhile, Maiorano’s radio presence on WATR reportedly came to an end following what was described publicly as “creative differences.”
Separate controversy also emerged involving co-host Steve ( Brass City Beats ) after fallout connected to comments and reporting led to the arrest of a Waterbury police sergeant — a situation that generated significant discussion locally.
None of those issues directly involved criminal allegations against Maiorano herself. But politically, the cumulative effect added noise to a brand that once appeared laser-focused on City Hall.
Shifting Republican Winds
Since 2023, the Republican landscape in Waterbury and Connecticut has also continued to evolve.
Maiorano’s public support of Erin Stewart in broader Republican politics tied her publicly to another high-profile figure now facing increasing political scrutiny at the state level.
Locally, some Republicans also took notice when Maiorano did not endorse Waterbury native John DeBarros during a recent GOP battle that ultimately saw him secure enough delegate support to force a primary against the party-backed candidate from Cheshire.
The result highlighted an ongoing tension inside Connecticut Republican politics between establishment-backed candidates and insurgent local campaigns.
Still a Threat — or a Fading Moment?
Despite the turbulence, Maiorano’s 2023 performance still matters politically.
Coming within a few hundred votes of City Hall in a Democratic-leaning city was no small feat, and Republicans privately acknowledge that she remains one of the few recent GOP candidates to generate measurable energy and turnout in Waterbury municipal politics.
The question now is whether that energy can be rebuilt.
Can Maiorano reconnect the fractured wings of the local GOP?
Can she re-emerge with a sharper message and cleaner operation?
Or did the political fire that defined 2023 peak too early?
With 2027 Elections still over a year away, and no official announcements of a campaign; those answers remain unclear.
But one thing is certain: Mayor Paul Pernerewski Jr. will no longer be facing a political environment defined by surprise.
This time, everyone is watching the board earlier.
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