August Augury: Bridgeport Democrats lagging behind Trumbull Democrats in early voting.

Trumbull Democrats took advantage of the first two days of early voting in the primary for the 22nd Senate District nomination. One candidate in the quartet of hopefuls is from Trumbull, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox. Her two unsuccessful but spirited campaigns for the House of Representatives have made her a local favorite. The other three, Scott Burns, Bill Finch, and Tyler Mack, are Bridgeport Democrats.

In the first two days of early voting this week, 104 Bridgeport Democrats cast votes. In Trumbull, 124 Democrats voted. The Bridgeport figure includes votes cast in both Senate primaries in the state’s most populous city.

Trumbull’s Democratic organization has gained a reputation as one of the state’s most effective and has lately fought above its weight. It is the home of the party’s state chairwoman, Nancy DiNardo.

Other towns of note include Hamden, where Democrats have two House primaries. As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, 482 Democrats had voted. In the 2nd Senate District, incumbent Democrat Doug McCrory faces two challengers, Shellye Davis and Ayanna Taylor. In Windsor, 119 Democrats had voted, while 145 Bloomfield Democrats cast a ballot. Bloomfield is also the center of a ferocious primary for the House in a district that includes a portion of West Hartford. In Hartford, 30 Democrats had cast early votes in the Senate primary.

The only statewide primary is the Republican one for the party’s U.S. Senate nomination. On Monday and Tuesday, 1861 Republicans had cast an early ballot under. Of those, 20 were from party-endorsed candidate Gerry Smith’s hometown of Beacon Falls, 12 were cast in Manchester, where challenger Matt Corey lives.

Early voting continues through Sunday at a designated location (usually the town hall) in each of the state’s 169 municipalities.

Published August 8, 2024.