Filipino American educator Maria-Threese Serana is seeking the Ward 9 seat on the New Haven (Connecticut) Board of Alders in a Sept. 15 special election, joining a four-candidate contest to complete the term of former Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith.
Serana, a science teacher at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, has received endorsements from the Ward 9 Democratic Town Committee and the Connecticut Democratic Socialists of America.
The Ward 9 Democratic Town Committee voted 7-2 on Aug. 24 to endorse Serana. CT DSA also announced its support in a Facebook post, describing Serana as an educator, immigrant, mother and renter who has advocated for New Haven students, tenants and workers. Because of the special election’s accelerated timetable, the Democratic committee endorsement will not appear on the ballot.
Serana welcomed CT DSA’s backing in a Facebook post, saying the group helped give her the confidence to seek office.
“I am a Democratic Socialist because the people who live, teach and raise their kids in this community should have more say over what happens to it than any landlord or developer,” Serana wrote. “I’m excited to run a campaign that centers the work of building organized, working-class power in Ward 9 to build the better world that we deserve.”
The special election was called after Smith stepped down from the Board of Alders following her move out of Ward 9. The ward includes the Goatville section of East Rock and the northwestern corner of Fair Haven. The winner will complete the term through December 2027.
Serana came to New Haven from the Philippines 21 years ago and has lived in Ward 9 for five years. Before becoming a science teacher at Co-Op High School, she worked in New Haven Public Schools as a substitute teacher and paraeducator.
Her campaign has focused on public education, affordable housing, tenant protections, climate resilience and neighborhood engagement. In a recent meeting with Ward 9 Democrats, Serana spoke about the need for stronger stormwater infrastructure and policies that account for the needs of renters and working families.
CT DSA said Serana testified in 2024 against proposed layoffs of substitute teachers and paraeducators in New Haven Public Schools. The organization also cited her support for the Emerson Tenants Union and her participation in rallies concerning immigration enforcement and the war in Gaza.
Serana faces Gavin Arnold, Blaise Nash Berglund and Conor Gilligan. All four candidates were approved for the ballot after submitting the required petition signatures, according to local reporting.
The Board of Alders is New Haven’s legislative body. Its members vote on city ordinances, budgets, land-use matters and other local policy issues.
The special election is scheduled for Sept. 15.
