Newton, Challenging Senator Gaston, Schmoozes Stratford Dems For Primary Support

City Councilman Ernie Newton pitched Stratford’s Democratic Town Committee this week about his viability to return to the seat he held 20 years ago in his challenge of freshman State Senator Herron Gaston who won the Stratford vote handily in 2022 over incumbent Dennis Bradley.

Connecticut’s 23rd Senatorial covers about two thirds of Bridgeport and a portion of western Stratford. Newton spent his early years in Stratford prior to moving to Bridgeport.

For Newton this is his second crack running for his old seat. He came close in 2012 losing a tight three-way Dem primary against incumbent Ed Gomes and winner Andres Ayala. Newton pulled off a surprise convention endorsement, running on a redemption theme shortly after returning to Bridgeport following incarceration stemming from his public corruption conviction.

Gaston will win the endorsement for the scheduled May 14 convention, the larger question: will Newton secure the 15 percent convention delegate support required to qualify for the August primary? If not, he must navigate the petition signature route.

Gaston’s in strong shape to qualify for a $110,000 public campaign grant under Connecticut’s Citizens Election Program of funded races. Newton is barred from public money as a result of his conviction so he’s raising it the old-fashioned way seeking larger personal donations with  $1,000 the maximum personal contribution.

Newton will likely be outspent 2 to 1 so he’s counting on his name recognition in the district to keep the race within reach.

This is the first time early voting will be in play for state legislative races. Early voting will take place August 5 – 11 in advance of the August 13 primary, according to the state’s election calendar.

The only other primary on the horizon for the city’s nine-member state legislative delegation is City Councilwoman Eneida Martinez challenging incumbent Andre Baker in the 124th Assembly covering the largely East End/East Side Dunbar, Harding, Beardsley and JFK precincts.