Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim declared victory last night in the city’s do-over Democratic Party primary for the mayoralty.
With 99% of the vote counted, the Associated Press reported Ganim won 55.9% of the vote with challenger John Gomes snagging 44.1%. Ganim won the in-person vote – in last September’s primary, Gomes led with the in-person vote but Ganim overtook him with a wave of absentee ballots. However, Gomes successfully sued to have the primary results overturned when video evidence emerged showing Ganim campaign workers allegedly stuffing drop boxes with absentee ballots.
“I’m humbled more than I could imagine by the overwhelming support that helped us win on the machines,” Ganim said to his supporters in declaring victory. “Over 1,000 more people came out to vote today than did in the primary in September, and that’s a strong message.”
Gomes did not immediate concede the race and the office of the Secretary of the State did not immediately declare Ganim the winner. A new general election is scheduled for February unless Gomes and candidates from other parties decide not to pursue the mayor’s office.
