The voters of Bridgeport, Connecticut, are heading to the polls for the fourth time to choose their mayor after the last election was nullified due to allegations of absentee ballot box stuffing during a Democratic primary. The current election will determine if incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim retains his position or if his former aide, John Gomes, takes over as mayor of Connecticut’s largest city. Both candidates have been urging weary and frustrated voters to participate in this prolonged election overshadowed by accusations of voting irregularities and personal attacks against each other.
The race between Ganim and Gomes has been marked by accusations and mudslinging. Ganim has accused Gomes of running for mayor out of revenge for being fired as the city’s acting chief administrative officer, warning that putting him in charge would be a mistake. Gomes, on the other hand, has brought up Ganim’s criminal record, highlighting his conviction for corruption and time served in prison before being re-elected as mayor in 2015. This exchange of criticisms and attacks has made the election campaign tense and contentious.
The path to Election Day in Bridgeport has been complex and embarrassing for some residents of the city. After the initial primary was voided due to evidence of potential ballot harvesting and irregularities, a new Democratic primary was held where Ganim emerged as the winner once again. However, Gomes, who had also qualified as an independent candidate, is challenging the results, leading to a prolonged and exhausting election process. Some voters have expressed fatigue and frustration with the repeated elections and ongoing controversies surrounding the candidates.
Despite voter fatigue, voter turnout during this extended election period has been modest yet steady. Election monitors have been closely monitoring the process, conducting spot checks of absentee ballot applicants and reviewing video footage of outdoor drop boxes to ensure the integrity of the election. The Secretary of State has made referrals to the State Elections Enforcement Commission regarding possible election violations, indicating a commitment to maintaining the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
In the final days of the campaign, Ganim has garnered support from top Democrats, including endorsements from Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, U.S. Representative Jim Himes, and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Republican candidate David Herz is also running in the election, though he did not attract much support in the initial round of voting in the heavily Democratic city. As Bridgeport residents head to the polls once again, the outcome of this prolonged and contentious mayoral race remains uncertain, with both candidates vying for the support of the electorate.
