by Mona Mahadevan, Laura Glesby, Maggie Grether, Dereen Shirnekhi and Paul Bass
Paul Bass Photo Praise, not an insult: Campaign sign reflects candidate’s read on Yale student voters.
A union-backed candidate decisively lost a Democratic primary for alder in Yale-dominated Ward 1 Tuesday, while a newcomer won a primary election in Morris Cove and an incumbent hung on in the Hill.
The three Democratic primaries took place Tuesday. There were no Republican primaries.
Yale undergraduate Elias Theodore, who grew up in New Haven, defeated fellow undergraduate Norah Laughter 290 to 165 in Ward 1. UNITE HERE and the city teachers union backed Laughter, in a campaign in which both candidates called on the university to do more for New Haven. There is no Republican on the ballot in Ward 1 in the general election.
“I think the fact that this election was contested will be such a positive thing for Yale student engagement with the city moving forward,” Theodore said after the vote count at the polls at the main library branch on Elm Street. “As far as the key issues, we all care about the same things: Yale’s voluntary contribution kept coming up again and again. We need an alder who will fight to increase it.”
Laughter praised the turnout, saying it shows that undergraduates “know now they have to show up.”
Fair Haven Alder Sarah Miller, who supported Theodore’s campaign, said Tuesday night: “If we want to see Yale contribute its fair share to New Haven, we need leaders who mobilize and inspire large numbers of Yale students to care about New Haven. Clearly Elias is that leader.”
Incumbent Alder Angel Hubbard defeated challenger Miguel Pittman in a rematch from one year ago in the primary in the Hill’s Ward 3. Hubbard was leading Pittman 200 to 148 based on in-person Tuesday voting and early-voting ballots and most of the absentee ballots. Seven absentee ballots remained to be verified and counted as of 8:49 p.m., which will not affect the outcome.
Hubbard will face Pittman again in the general election because both the Republican and Independent parties have endorsed him. Voters said a main issue in this race involved ill-fated plans for the APT Foundation to move its methadone clinic from Congress Avenue to Long Wharf; Hubbard supported the plan, while Pittman opposed having APT located anywhere in New Haven.
When the results were declared, Hubbard’s supporters whooped and cheered for a full minute. She broke down into tears. Then she said, “With the title or without the title, I’m a servant of the community.”
Hubbard credited victory to her constituent service.
“When my constituents call,” she said, “they know I’ll come.”
“The fight’s not over,” Pittman said at the polls at Career High School on Legion Avenue, referencing the general election. He said he believes the APT methadone clinic was the top issue in the race.
In Morris Cove’s Ward 18, Leland Moore was leading Zelema Harris 295 to 54 Tuesday night based on early voting and Tuesday balloting. Three absentee ballots remained to be verified and tabulated as of 8:49 p.m.
Harris turned to Moore after the results were announced to offer congratulations. Moore replied that the turnout of 333 voters solely for an alder primary is a “testament to both of our campaigns.” The exchange reflected the convivial nature of the primary
“It was a really positive experience,” he reflected after poll workers ushered him, Harris, and their supporters out of the building. He said he thinks voters were motivated to come out to the polls because “people want to be heard.”
Moore enjoyed the support of the Democratic Town Committee, the politically influential UNITE HERE unions and elected officials including Annex Alder Sal Punzo, State Rep. Al Paolillo, and State Sen. Martin Looney.
“I’m not surprised,” Harris said after the candidates and supporters had shuffled out of the building. “When you have certain people backing you, it’s a challenge [to beat]. It’s always hard when you are only running as an individual.”
“It’s not all about the winning,” she added. “I think Leland’s a great guy. It’s so much bigger” than just candidate versus candidate, she said. By participating in a civic process and providing voters with a choice, “no matter what, I’m gonna win.”
And anyway, Harris added, she’ll face off against Moore once again — plus a Republican opponent, Anthony Acri — in November’s general election. She will run on an unaffiliated line.
Laura Glesby Photo Comity Club: Friendly rivals Harris and Moore at the Ward 18 polls Tuesday night at Nathan Hale School.
Maggie Grether Photo Victorious Ward 1 candidate Elias Theodore outside the polls after his victory Tuesday.
Dereen Shirnekhi Photo Moderator Kevin Arnold and Democratic Registrar of Voters Shannel Evans tabulating results Tuesday night.