Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says he clinched his fourth contest against challenger John Gomes following allegations of absentee ballot fraud and a court ordered new primary and election.
“If it wasn’t clear three times in a row, it’s clear today, louder than ever, Bridgeport has spoken. The people of Bridgeport have in a resounding way answered the call for the fourth time in the middle of February,” Ganim said. “Thousands came out and added well beyond our past victories. A mandate if you will over the things that we stand for — galvanzied united for Bridgeport.”
He said he’s anxious to get on with the business of the city for Bridgeport and all of its citizens.
“Bridgeport has spoken,” Ganim said.
Gomes, who ran as an independent in the general election, said the game isn’t over.
Gomes lost the Democratic primary twice and now the general election twice.
“We’re just at half-time,” he said. “We will continue on the mission to bring transparency.”
He said it is about the fight for a government that represents all of us and a quality education and public safety awarenesss,
“We have made history,” Gomes said. “This is a movement.”
He said they want to restore the credibility and respect Bridgeport deserves.
Gomes challenged the results of the Sept. 12, 2023 contest after videos surfaced, appearing to show Ganim supporters making deposits of numerous absentee ballots in city drop boxes, in apparent violation of state election laws restricting who may handle a voter’s absentee ballot.
The evidence and a subsequent trial convinced Bridgeport Superior Court Judge William Clark to order the new election.
Ganim won a first primary election in September, when he edged out Gomes by 251 votes, largely cast via absentee ballots.
Ganim acknowledged that his narrow victories in the first primary and general election were humbling. However, following a more extensive presence in the community and reconnecting with his constituents through a self-described listening tour, Ganim defeated Gomes in January by a margin of 1,077 votes. Unlike his previous wins, which heavily relied on absentee ballots, Ganim also outperformed Gomes on the voting machines at polling places during the primary redo.
Contrary to expectations, voter turnout on Jan. 23 surpassed that of September, with nearly 800 more Democrats participating.
Ganim declared victory again Tuesday before the official results were tallied and with 25% of the vote being reported.