Photo by Sally Bahner
Branford voters chose two female Democratic candidates over two male Republican candidates in the races for state representative and state senator.
Democrat Robin Comey bested Republican Bob Imperato in the race for state representative in Branford’s 102nd District. Comey won 5,569 votes; and Imperato took 4,631.
Branford voters elected Democrat Christine Cohen in the 12th District state senate race, and she was declared the unofficial winner after votes were tallied for all six district towns, which include Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Killingworth, and Durham. Cohen took 6,830 votes in Branford, and Republican challenger Adam Greenberg received 6,167 Branford votes.
These totals are unofficial and do not include absentee ballots, which are still being tallied.
Preliminary/unofficial Branford numbers for the governor’s race showed Democrat Ned Lamont ahead of Republican Bob Stefanowski, 5,583 to 5,317. The race was too close to call as of press time.
Branford had two open seats in this election because State Rep. Lonnie Reed (D‑102nd); and State Senator Ted Kennedy (D‑12th) decided not to seek re-election.
Reed represents five of Branford’s seven voting districts.
Sean Scanlon (D‑98th) who ran unopposed for his third term as state rep in the 98th District, represents Guilford and two of the seven voting districts in Branford – Stony Creek and Pine Orchard.
Democrats Jubilant
Photo by Sally Bahner
Comey won Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Incumbent Sean Scanlon, who ran uncontested, took Districts 2 and 7.
Democratic headquarters was packed wall to wall and the crowd cheered as Comey’s win was announced. She thanked a long list of friends and family, who came together to help her win. “The Democratic party is stronger and it’s poised to do great things,” she said. “We knew what was a stake… it was a coordinated effort. She added that the people working on the campaign knew what they were doing.
“We contacted 10,000 people,” Comey said. She noted that it was a dif-ficult and divisive time, but there’s been a lot of “bravery and strength” and may fantastic people committed to values.
Comey listed affordable healthcare, cradle to college education, senior care, and an economy that benefits the middle class as priorities.
“We will win more elections in the future,” she said.
Photo by Sally Bahner
Comey is a member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and has served many years with the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative, eventually becoming the executive director. She is a partner in Starprompt, a teleprompting services company she has operated with her husband for 25 years. She and her husband and two children live in Short Beach.
Subdued Republicans
Photo by Bill O’Brien
The atmosphere was subdued as Republicans gathered at the Elks Club in Branford to tally the votes. Imperato made his concession speech shortly after the votes were in about 9 p.m.
Photo by Bill O’Brien
“We will be back,” Imperato told the crowd. “We’re not giving up.” He thanked his family and the entire Republican team who have supported him.
Imperato told the Eagle he will continue his many years of service to Branford.
“We’re not going anywhere. We’ll still be here,” Imperato told the Eagle. “We’re going to take care of the town of Branford as always. We had a great race, and Robin did a great job. I wish her well in her term, and she can call on my expertise at any time.”
Photo by Bill O’Brien
Imperato stopped by Democratic Headquarters to congratulate Comey on her win.
Imperato has worked in banking and financial fields for 40 years. He was a member of the Representative Town Meeting for five years, and currently serves on the Board of Finance, and the Water Pollution Control Authority.
