Middletown, CT – Mayor Ben Florsheim has announced his resignation from the city’s leadership, effective next month, citing ‘personal and professional reasons.’ The 33-year-old mayor, who rose to prominence in 2019 at the young age of 27, made the announcement Tuesday, expressing gratitude for his time in office and outlining a plan for a smooth transition. Florsheim will remain active within the community, focusing on future endeavors that align with his commitment to service. "After a challenging, gratifying, life-changing experience over the last five and a half years, I will be stepping down as mayor next month," he stated in a letter to Middletown residents. "I am making this announcement now in the hopes of facilitating a smooth transition over the next few weeks." He emphasized the profound honor of serving as mayor, acknowledging the accomplishments of his administration while expressing optimism for Middletown’s future. Acknowledging the difficulties of modern political leadership, Florsheim noted, "Holding political office in these times is a solemn duty, one which I have taken seriously from the day that this community vested that trust in me. It is also a deeply weird situation that takes its toll on those of us who ran to serve the needs of ordinary citizens by making it difficult, sometimes impossible, to live ordinary lives."

The decision comes after nearly six years in the role, allowing Florsheim to pursue a "new career direction" that balances community service with personal priorities. He elaborated, "I’m not going anywhere, and I look forward to making myself of service to the community in the future." Council President Gene Nocera will assume the mayoral responsibilities as acting mayor from June 16th until a special election is scheduled by the common council. Florsheim's journey to Middletown is a compelling one, having arrived in 2010 as a student at Wesleyan University after growing up in Utah and Wisconsin. He graduated in 2014 and initially worked as an aide to Chris Murphy before launching his successful mayoral campaign, winning with 53% of the vote against former Republican mayor Seb Giuliano.

State Sen. Matt Lesser, who represents Middletown, offered his support, stating, "Mayor Florsheim is a friend and I thank him for his leadership of the City of Middletown and his dedication to bettering the lives of its residents. He brought a fresh perspective to the city and was a strong municipal partner on a number of pivotal projects that have paved a strong path forward for Middletown." The transition represents a significant moment for Middletown, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, with Florsheim’s legacy firmly established and Lesser’s continued support ensuring a seamless handover. The upcoming special election will determine the city’s next mayor, promising a renewed opportunity for the community to shape its future under new leadership. This transition highlights the cyclical nature of civic engagement and the ongoing commitment of Middletown residents to their local government. The community looks forward to the selection of a new leader who will build upon the achievements of the Florsheim administration and address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Middletown. "