Martha Shoemaker

Martha Shoemaker is a Democratic politician serving as First Selectman of Old Lyme, Connecticut. She first won the office in 2023, defeating Republican challenger John Mesham, and secured a second term in November 2025 by defeating Mesham again in a rematch, this time by a margin of 130 votes compared to 123 votes in the previous election. Her 2025 victory came amid a changed voting landscape that included two weeks of early voting.

Upon taking office following her first election, Shoemaker outlined several key priorities for her tenure, including resolving the long-standing issue of sewers in Old Lyme, creating efficiencies in town government, and addressing business development. In her role, she has been actively involved in local governance, participating in meetings of the Historic District Commission, attending Connecticut State Police certification ceremonies, and serving as a judge at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Invention Convention. During her tenure, the Town of Old Lyme received Tier III certification from the Connecticut State Police.

Shoemaker has also faced scrutiny during her time in office. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission found that she failed to respond to a public records request from the CT Examiner and fined her $250 for the violation. She publishes regular newsletters to constituents from the First Selectman's Office, providing updates on town activities, events, and municipal developments.