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Gomes, Stafstrom Win Special Elections In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A Democrat claimed victory in the race for a state House seat while a member of the Working Families Party won a state Senate seat for the first time in special elections Tuesday in Bridgeport. 

Ed Gomes is the new state senator for the 23rd District in Bridgeport.

Ed Gomes is the new state senator for the 23rd District in Bridgeport.

Photo Credit: Working Families Party
Steve Stafstrom is the new state rep for the 129th State House District in Bridgeport.

Steve Stafstrom is the new state rep for the 129th State House District in Bridgeport.

Photo Credit: Pullman & Comley

Steve Stafstrom, the Democrats' endorsed candidate, won the race for the 129th State House District, which includes Black Rock, Brooklawn and parts of the West End, South End and North End. 

In the race for the 23rd Senate District, which also includes part of Stratford, former state Sen. Edwin Gomes won back his seat. 

Stafstrom won the seat that had been vacated by Auden Grogins, who was appointed in January by Gov. Dannel Malloy to be a judge for the state Superior Court. 

He beat challenges from fellow Democrats Bob Keeley, Bob Halstead and Hector Diaz, as well as Republican City Councilman Enrique Torres.

Stafstrom is an attorney for the law firm of Pullman & Comley. He picked up two key endorsements, gaining the support of state Sen. Marilyn Moore and former mayoral candidate Mary-Jane Foster.

Gomes, 78, the first state senator elected in the Working Families Party, beat endorsed Democrat Richard DeJesus, Republican Quentin Dreher and petitioning candidates Kenneth Morales Jr. and Charles Hare. He previously held the seat but lost in a primary battle in 2012 to Andres Ayala. 

"Supporting Senator Gomes was an easy choice. He was an invaluable ally in the Senate, and has continued to be a political force to be reckoned with in Bridgeport," the Working Families Party said in supporting Gomes. "We know once he is elected, he’ll continue to be a champion for working and middle-class families. ... In the Senate, he earned a reputation for fighting for corporate accountability, good jobs with fair wages, and good government policies." 

The Senate seat became vacant in January when Ayala was named by Malloy to be the new commissioner of the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Tonight was another good night for the Democratic Party. With these results we add two more Democratic voices to the General Assembly from Bridgeport," Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman Nick Balletto said in a statement.  

"I know Steve Stafstrom and Ed Gomes will represent their constituents well in Hartford. They join our Democratic majorities in continuing Connecticut’s progress made over the last four years and debating important issues such as transforming our transportation system.  I wish them the best of luck as they take on this important responsibility."

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