State Senator Marilyn Moore:
Former State Senator Edwin Gomes passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 after an auto collision that took place in Bridgeport on Sunday, December 13. Senator Gomes was my lifelong friend and a champion of the people serving as a labor union representative and legislator for most of his life. His colorful life was as big and bold as was his personality. The stories he shared with his friends compared to a Hemingway novel full of every turn and twist of life. He entered politics under the tutelage of the late Charles Tisdale who encouraged him to run for city council and he continued in public service until his retirement from the State Senate in 2018. I am saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague as are the thousands of people who loved and respected him. The community has lost a lion and a giant who gave his time, talent and money without thought of himself. He was a good man.
Governor Ned Lamont:
Senator Ed Gomes was a fighter–for Bridgeport, for workers and for the State of Connecticut. Courageous and persistent, when I first entered politics to lead a charge for change in 2006, Ed Gomes was the first one to stand by my side. More than just Bridgeport, Connecticut lost a giant today who advocated for so many. Ed will be sorely missed by all, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
State Rep. Chris Rosario:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of State Senator Ed Gomes. Ed was passionately committed to Bridgeport, and was always ready to roll up his sleeves and fight for Working Families across Connecticut. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his friends and family. Rest In Peace, Ed.
Mayor Joe Ganim:
My sympathies go out to the Gomes family. Ed dedicated much of his life to public service and his community as well as second chance opportunities. Those who knew him across the state, and here in Bridgeport will miss him.
Carlos Moreno, State Director of the Connecticut Working Families Party:
The passing of Senator Ed Gomes is a massive loss for Bridgeport as well as for our movement. Whether as a steelworker, union negotiator, city councilor, and a legislative proponent for just causes at the Capitol, Senator Gomes was a champion for working families. A fearless leader, Ed was never afraid to take on those in power. He was a powerful voice for social justice who fought tirelessly against wealthy elites and corporate interests. He often challenged his own caucus to be better advocates for working class folks in our state.
“Senator Gomes was with WFP from the very beginning, and eventually made history in 2015 as the first state legislative candidate in the country to run and win on the Working Families Party ballot line, beating back the Bridgeport Democratic party machine.
“It was an honor being in the fight with Senator Gomes, and working alongside him to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We can only try to live up to his legacy.
State Senator Dennis Bradley:
Today, Bridgeport lost a true fighter for our city and people all too suddenly. It will always be an honor to serve in the same seat he once held and sustained with such grace and vigor. It was my hope that I would one day be able to look back and reflect on all that the field of public service has allowed me to do, but with only the acknowledgement and awareness that I stood on the shoulders of giants before me. Senator Ed Gomes committed his life to public service and was loved and revered by our great city. As a city driven by working class people, he dedicated his work and resilience to them. My prayers go out to his loved ones, may he rest in power.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy:
Connecticut lost a tireless fighter for working people and a true force for good. I was proud to serve with Ed in the Connecticut State Senate, and I learned from watching him work every day to make sure that often muted voices had a champion to move closer to a more equitable society. Today our hearts are with the Gomes family and all those in his community. I’m proud to have been able to call him my friend.
Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa:
Today we learned of the tragic passing of a true Bridgeport icon. The passing of Senator Ed Gomes has shocked many throughout Bridgeport and throughout the State of Connecticut. Senator Gomes lived a long and successful life fighting for the working family, fighting for every resident in Bridgeport.
Senator Gomes started his fight and got involved in his local union. After fighting for his union members, he then took his fight and joined the City Council followed by the General Assembly. Bridgeport and the entire State of Connecticut will forever remember Bridgeport’s Elder Statesman! We send prayers to the family and friends of Senator Gomes. Losing such an icon is never easy, especially during the holidays.
As 2020 comes to an end, don’t lose sight of what matters the most: your loved ones, your health, being kind to one another and always look for the light ahead.
