Hamden Primary Election Heading For Automatic Recount

HAMDEN, CT — The 91st House District Democratic primary election is heading for an automatic recount after party endorsed candidate Jennifer Pope defeated challenger Laurie Sweet by a two-vote margin.

“Voters in Hamden’s 91st district had a tough choice in this election between two candidates who have worked hard the last six months to earn every vote,” Pope said in a statement posted on Facebook. “It is clear from the final tally that we have won, and while this election is headed to a recount, we are confident that the results will be upheld.

“I continue to be grateful for the work done by our registrars and poll workers, who work hard everyday to ensure our democracy is strong. Our town, state and country is strongest when we all respect the democratic process. I am hopeful a recount is resolved quickly and we can move on to focusing on keeping this district blue in November.

“Above all else, thank you to everyone who voted early and on election day, volunteered, and contributed to the success of this campaign. Without you, none of this would be possible.”

The New Haven Register reports Pope had conceded the race to Sweet on Tuesday night after initial results showed her down 69 votes. But the final numbers submitted to the Secretary of the State’s office had Pope leading Sweet 921 to 919, according to the Register.

In other Hamden races, incumbent State Rep. Joshua Elliott – the party’s endorsed candidate – defeated challenger Dan Garrett in the 88th District, and in the 94th District, party endorsed candidate Steven B. Winter defeated Tarolyn Moore and Abdul Osmanu.

In the Democratic primary for Probate Judge, endorsed candidate Michael Dolan defeated challenger Karolyn Papacoda.

Read more at the New Haven Register here.