Stonington -- Shaun Mastroianni, who is running for the 43rd District state representative seat this fall, was unanimously elected as chairman of the Stonington Republican Town Committee last week.

The meeting was conducted in part using ZOOM video conference technology and in part in a parking lot on Williams Avenue in Mystic to ensure the need for social distancing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mastroianni replaces Bryan Bentz, who did not run for reelection after four years as chairman.

Mastroianni is also a member of the borough’s Board of Warden and Burgesses. He will challenge Rep. Kate Rotella, D-Stonington, for the 43rd District seat after Rotella defeated him in 2018.