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Primary Night Surprises for Some Connecticut Democrats

Chion Wolf
Insurgent Chris Soto defeated sitting representative Ernie Hewett in New London

A couple of familiar names won’t be returning to the General Assembly this fall, after being toppled in primary contests Tuesday. 

Democrat Ernie Hewett has represented New London for six terms in the House of Representatives – but he said that now he’ll retire from politics after losing to challenger Chris Soto.

Soto garnered two-thirds of the vote in a primary which saw a 13 percent turnout, much higher than the state average of around five percent.

Soto, 35, a Coast Guard Academy grad who runs a non-profit in the city, won’t face a Republican challenger in November.

"It’s about passing the torch, right – that’s what we’ve said," he told supporters in his victory speech. "It’s time for something new. And so with that, there’s still more work to do."

Another well-known lawmaker, Louis Esposito of West Haven, is also out, losing to another young challenger, Michael DiMassa, 25.

In the open seat in Hamden created by the retirement of House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, Josh Elliott goes forward to November’s contest. He was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders who defeated the endorsed party candidate, James Pascarella.

In Bridgeport, it will be business as usual with two senators and two representatives fending off primary challenges. Senators Ed Gomes and Marilyn Moore, along with Representatives Andre Baker and Charlie Stallworth, all return to Hartford in the fall.

In an open seat in Bristol, newcomer Laura Bartok, a social worker and former legislative staffer, handily defeated fellow Democrat Christy Matthews.

Two Republicans were on the ballot on Tuesday night. Representatives Jason Perillo of Shelton and Jay Case of Winsted won their respective primaries.

Harriet Jones is Managing Editor for Connecticut Public Radio, overseeing the coverage of daily stories from our busy newsroom.

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