Gomes plans to file lawsuit to void Bridgeport mayoral primary results

John Gomes is planning to file a lawsuit that would halt the certification of last week”™s Democratic primary for the Bridgeport mayoralty that saw seven-term Mayor Joe Ganim gain a narrow come-from-behind victory over him through the tabulation of absentee ballots.

In a press conference, Gomes said there was evidence of potential voter fraud. According to a CTMirror report, Gomes’ campaign released city surveillance footage that allegedly showed a Ganim supporter delivering absentee ballots to a drop box outside the Bridgeport government center, a violation of state law that mandates absentee ballots can only be handed in by the voter or either their family members or a caretaker. Local election officials and police officers can also handle the delivery of absentee ballots, but not a campaign worker.

“This is bigger than the John Gomes campaign,” Gomes told reporters at a press conference. “Right now, there’s a black cloud hanging over Bridgeport.”

The latest vote count gave Ganim 4,212 votes and Gomes 3,961. The situation mirrors the 2019 primary when Ganim scored a come-from-behind win via absentee ballots after State Sen. Marilyn Moore dominated the election results with in-person votes.