Long-time Bridgeport Judge of Probate Paul Ganim, facing a potential primary from Mark Bradley who has been registered as a Republican in Massachusetts and Democrat in Bridgeport, is hosting a fundraiser May 19th at Vazzy’s.
Even in the peculiar world of Bridgeport politics that rarely disappoints for its OIB flavors, this bizarre challenge by Bradley also includes his voting history simultaneously casting ballots in Massachusetts and Connecticut during the same election cycles. So much for one man, one vote.
He has utilized the Bradley family law firm as his Bridgeport address since 2016 while not having a car registered in the city until his recent announcement run. His children also attend school in Massachusetts as revealed by Massachusetts probate court documents from a child custody battle. Mark Bradley is the brother of former State Senator Dennis Bradley awaiting sentencing after a federal jury found him guilty on six counts of election fraud from his 2018 run for state office.
An election complaint by Democratic Town Committee member Tom Gecewicz has been filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.
Paul Ganim, younger brother of Mayor Joe Ganim, was first elected to the probate position in 1998. He hasn’t faced a primary since 2006.
The core role of probate judge includes executing wills and estates, distribution of assets to heirs, appointment of guardians for minors and appointing conservators for adults who cannot manage their own finances or personal care.
As a single town elected position, Bridgeport’s 90-member Democratic Town Committee will be the endorsing body for probate judge at a convention May 26. Paul Ganim is poised for the vast majority of party support. In order to qualify for an August 11 primary Mark Bradley must secure five percent verified signatures of Democratic electors in Bridgeport. He can begin circulating those petitions the day after the convention and has until June 9, 4 p.m. to file those petitions with the Registrar’s Office.
As it looks right now the probate position is the only possible primary among local offices. If Bradley qualifies for the primary Paul Ganim will have company on the top line in Governor Ned Lamont if State Rep. Josh Elliott qualifies for a primary at the Democratic convention this month. In that event Lamont would lead the ballot.
