CT Democratic Party leader and mayor diagnosed with cancer. Assures ‘I am in good hands.’

The leader of Connecticut’s Democratic Party has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement from his reelection campaign.

Roberto Alves, who is also mayor of Danbury, said in the statement that he has started treatment for Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

“After a series of recent medical tests, I have been diagnosed with Large B-Cell Lymphoma, a serious but treatable form of cancer. I have begun treatment, and I am in good hands with my team of doctors,” Alves said.

“More than 89,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lymphoma each year, and millions of families are touched by cancer in some way. As my family and I go through this challenge, we are grateful for the extraordinary medical care available here in the United States, and I am fortunate to have access to it.

Alves said that though it is a personal matter, he wanted to be transparent considering his public role.

“My prognosis is strong, and I will continue to serve Danbury as Mayor, our state as Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, and in all of my responsibilities, which I take very seriously. I will continue fighting for and delivering for Danbury. I am confident that with the support of my family, friends, and community, I will meet this challenge and continue moving forward with purpose.”

Alves, an immigrant who came to the U.S. at age 5 with his Brazilian and  Portuguese parents, grew up in Danbury and began volunteering in the community at a young age. He was elected mayor in 2023 and was named Democratic state Party chair at the beginning of this year.

He is married and has two children.

Before becoming mayor, Alves was a technical sales engineer at Cartus and Gov. Ned Lamont noted his strong business background when he named Alves party chair.

https://www.courant.com/2025/09/23/ct-democratic-party-leader-diagnosed-with-cancer/