Meet Alma Sarelli
Candidate for State Senate
District 26
Alma Sarelli is a 17-year resident of Connecticut, an immigrant from Albania, and a deeply engaged member of the Westport community. She earned her degree in Business Management from Berkeley and, together with her husband, runs a national event entertainment production company. A mother of four, Alma has long balanced family life, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy, and community leadership.
Alma currently serves as an elected member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting, where she serves on four committees: Public Protection, Education, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Zoning. She was recently re-elected to continue representing Westport residents. She also serves as a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westport.
Alma has been directly involved in decisions that affect families, students, taxpayers, and the future of local education. Serving on the Education Committee, along with Public Protection, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Zoning, Alma has helped review and vote on important town priorities, including school budgets and major education investments.
That includes the approval of funding for the new Long Lots Elementary School in Westport, a major investment in students, teachers, families, and the long-term strength of the community. For Alma, preserving educational excellence means making responsible decisions today that serve children and taxpayers for generations to come.
For the past four years, Alma has served as president of Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport, helping guide the organization through a period of steady growth, engagement, and community connection. She has also worked on political campaigns for other candidates and was a candidate for Connecticut State Representative in the 136th District.
Alma’s belief in unity was shaped by her father, a peacemaker in Albania who brought together victims of blood feuds to seek reconciliation and peace. Inspired by his example, Alma has spent her life bringing people together through her work in nonprofits, business, and community. She believes real leadership means listening, building trust, and finding common ground.
Politics is not what defines Alma. It is only a glimpse of who she is. Her character is grounded in service, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to helping people move forward together.
Alma is active in Republican leadership with the Westport Republican Town Committee and as a Republican delegate for the State of Connecticut.
Beyond her political work, she serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is actively engaged in philanthropic work throughout the community. She also serves as a mentor with Homes with Hope and Best Buddies, supporting individuals and families through advocacy, service, and community engagement. In addition, she is a member of AWARE, Assisting Women through Action, Resources, and Education, and serves as chair of social events for Sunrise Rotary in Westport.
In her faith community, Alma is active as a lector and Eucharistic minister at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, as well as through the Albanian Church and her local parish.
With experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, political campaigns, small business, and family life, Alma Sarelli continues to be a visible, committed, and engaged leader in Westport.
“I am reminded every day how fortunate I am to live in this great country,
a country where I am free to practice my faith, pursue my dreams, and embrace endless possibilities.”
— Alma Sarelli
