Connecticut Democrats entered Saturday’s state convention with Gov. Ned Lamont favored for renomination for governor, but the central question remained whether State Rep. Josh Elliott could force an August primary.
Elliott, a Hamden Democrat challenging Lamont from the left, needs 15% of delegate support to qualify automatically for the Aug. 11 primary. The convention in Hartford drew 2,055 eligible delegates. Lamont retained the advantages of incumbency, fundraising and party support, but Elliott’s campaign made the vote a test of progressive strength inside the party.
The governor’s race drew sharper attention after Monday’s upset in the 1st Congressional District, where former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated 14-term U.S. Rep. John Larson for the Democratic endorsement. Bronin won 214-204 on the second ballot. State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest also qualified for the primary. The result raised questions about whether delegate frustration with incumbents could extend to the governor’s contest.
Republicans resolved their own gubernatorial contest Saturday morning at Mohegan Sun. State Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich won the GOP endorsement after former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart suspended her campaign Thursday following a city report alleging personal use of a municipal credit card. Stewart endorsed Fazio after leaving the race.
Former New York Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey received 7.93% of the Republican delegate vote, below the 15% threshold needed to force a primary, and ended her campaign. Fazio was declared the Republican nominee at 10:20 a.m.
Lamont remained the favorite, but Democrats were still waiting to see whether Elliott would turn the convention into a summer primary.
