When Francesca Capodilupo is hired to lead a political campaign, she brings a fitting last name. Italian translation into English: head wolf.
She is now the head wolf of Governor Ned Lamont’s re-election campaign.
Capodilupo enjoys a number of political bona fides including the recent leader of Jim Himes’ successful congressional campaigns. She also knows her way around Bridgeport, Connecticut’s most populous community.
From the Lamont campaign:
Governor Ned Lamont today announced Francesca Capodilupo will serve as Campaign Manager for his re-election campaign for Governor of Connecticut. A Connecticut native with deep roots in Democratic politics, Capodilupo brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic leadership, campaign management, and communications to the governor’s team.
“Francesca is one of the most effective, strategic, and committed political professionals in Connecticut,” said Governor Lamont. “She knows how to deliver results and build strong coalitions. I’m thrilled to have her leading our campaign as we continue working to move Connecticut forward.”
“I’m honored to return to Governor Lamont’s team and excited to lead this campaign,” said Francesca Capodilupo. “Connecticut has made real progress under Governor Lamont’s leadership, and I’m ready to work hard to ensure we can continue building on that success.”
Capodilupo’s career spans statewide, local and national arenas. She has worked on Democratic campaigns in every corner of Connecticut, including previously working on Ned Lamont’s 2010 gubernatorial run. Nationally, she was a senior staffer on U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s team in Minnesota and has held key roles with political consulting firms on races ranging from city council to the U.S. Senate.
Since 2021, Capodilupo has served as campaign manager and senior advisor to Congressman Jim Himes and to Danbury Mayor and Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Roberto Alves. She led the historic 2023 sweep in Danbury—flipping a twenty-two-year Republican seat and breaking GOP supermajorities across the ballot—and guided Alves to another decisive victory in 2025. She also served as his Government Affairs and Communications Advisor in Danbury City Hall.
Francesca grew up in a family committed to public service and local Democratic engagement. Her mother, longtime Democratic activist Susan Cocco, chaired the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee for twenty years, guiding a series of historic local victories that helped shape Capodilupo’s early path in politics.
Most recently, she was Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Fairfield County nonprofit Person to Person before joining Governor Lamont’s re-election campaign.
Francesca holds an M.A. in Elections and Campaign Management and later taught in the same program at Fordham University for three years.
