Lee Goldstein Joins State Rep Race

Board of Ed chair vies for Steinberg's seat

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:53am

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A second Westporter has joined the race to succeed State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein joins Matthew Mandell in the campaign for the 136th District. Steinberg is retiring.

Why it matters

Goldstein's entry into the race brings an experienced education leader and community advocate to the contest for Steinberg's seat, which could have implications for the future of Westport's schools, community priorities, and state-level policies.

The details

Goldstein — a Yale University graduate and former high school English teacher, writer, editor and manager of a family foundation, and volunteer with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Mercy Learning Center — filed paperwork on Thursday. As BOE chair for 4 years, Goldstein helped lead the renovation of Coleytown Middle School, plan for a new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool, and develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan. School budgets have passed unanimously, which she attributes to collaboration she fostered between the Board of Ed, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.

  • Goldstein filed paperwork on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Steinberg is retiring from the 136th District seat.

The players

Lee Goldstein

Board of Education chair who is running for the 136th District state representative seat.

Jonathan Steinberg

Current state representative for the 136th District who is retiring.

Matthew Mandell

Another Westporter who has joined the race for the 136th District state representative seat.

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What they’re saying

“Westport deserves experienced, thoughtful leadership that protects our schools, strengthens our communities, and takes the rising cost of living seriously. I'm running to bring that leadership to Hartford.”

— Lee Goldstein

“Over the past 4 years on the Board, I've learned that more depends on relationships and trust than on any single decision. Whether we're aligning budgets with long-term priorities, advancing overdue capital work or developing complex strategic plans, progress comes from listening, persistence, and a willingness to bring people together around shared goals.”

— Lee Goldstein, Board of Education chair

What’s next

The race for the 136th District state representative seat will continue to unfold in the coming months, with Goldstein and Mandell vying to succeed the retiring Steinberg.

The takeaway

Goldstein's entry into the race brings an experienced education leader and community advocate to the contest, which could have significant implications for Westport's schools, community priorities, and state-level policies if she is elected to the 136th District seat.