Voters in Fairfield are heading to the polls Tuesday in a special election to decide the town’s next first selectperson.

The race was triggered last summer when former Democratic First Selectperson Bill Gerber revealed he was suffering from a brain tumor. Gerber later died, and his running mate, Christine Vitale, assumed the role.

Town Republicans called for a special election, citing the need for transparency. State Sen. Tony Hwang gathered enough signatures to bring the election to the ballot.

Vitale and Hwang have taken part in several debates during the campaign. Both candidates spoke with News 12 on Tuesday about the issues driving the race.

“I think it's a combination of things — affordability, accessible housing for our seniors, our workforce, our young adults, maintaining our stellar public schools and just providing the services that Fairfield rely upon,” Vitale said. Hwang agreed that affordability is a key issue.

“It really is about affordability ... making sure that we remain in town instead of a high-rise density city, but ultimately it's being able to keep all community intact,” Hwang said.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Hwang is expected to watch the results come in from Illicit Brewery in Fairfield. Vitale will be at Boca at Smith Richardson.