Jesse Bunce

Jesse Bunce is the First Selectman of North Canaan, Connecticut, having taken office following the November 5, 2025 municipal election. Prior to his election as First Selectman, Bunce served as a Selectman on the North Canaan Board of Selectmen, appearing in board meeting records as recently as October 6, 2025. A Republican who ran on the Democratic ballot line, Bunce defeated incumbent First Selectman Brian Ohler by two votes after a recount was conducted on November 10, 2025. Ohler, who had won his previous election with 73% of the vote, remained on the board as a selectman following his narrow defeat.

The transition into office was reported to be challenging, with communication lapses, technology issues, and operational delays noted in the weeks following the election. As First Selectman, Bunce leads the Board of Selectmen, which serves as North Canaan's chief executive authority and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration of municipal government, setting policies, working with town departments and boards, and guiding the delivery of services to residents.