NORWALK — The Democratic Party saw a clean sweep of competitive races in Norwalk on Tuesday, following a trend that has emerged over the city’s past few elections.
Unofficial results posted by the secretary of the state’s office Wednesday morning showed Democrats garnering more votes in every race, aside from that of the 141st House District, which saw Republican Terrie Wood running unopposed.
As in 2016, voters largely opted in favor of the Democratic presidential ticket. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received 28,477 votes, more than double the 12,974 cast for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., received 27,426 votes, compared to 12,420 for Republican rival Jonathan Riddle. The Independent candidate Brian Merlen received just 701 votes.
In the race for the 25th Senate District, Democratic incumbent Bob Duff edged Republican challenger Elisavet “Ellie” Kousidis 26,114 to 15,035. The 25th District includes Norwalk and part of Darien.
Republican Fred Wilms failed to regain the seat in the 142nd House District that he lost to Democrat Lucy Dathan two years ago. Dathan secured 6,855 votes to Wilms’ 5,095. The 142nd District is comprised of Norwalk and parts of New Canaan.
Democrat Chris Perone held his seat in the House of Representatives 137th District with 7,594 votes. His opponent, Republican Ellen Wink, received 3,809 votes.
For the 140th House District race, incumbent Democrat Travis Simms received 5,708 votes to Republican John Flynn’s 1,602.
In the race to represent the 143rd state House district — a seat being vacated by longtime incumbent Republican Gail Lavielle of Wilton — Democrat Stephanie Thomas received 3,606 votes to Republican Patrizia Zucaro’s 2,685. This district includes portions of Norwalk, Wilton and Westport.
State Rep. Terrie Wood, the Republican incumbent in the 141st state House district, ran unopposed and received 2,443 votes.
The registrars of voters, who were endorsed by their political parties, ran unopposed. Stuart Wells received 25,928 votes and Republican Brian Smith received 13,921 votes.
The city’s registrars have not released turnout percentages as of noon Wednesday.
Navy veteran Edward Reilly, 76, said he voted for Trump at Roton Middle School on Tuesday. One of the factors motivating him, he said, was the fear that Joe Biden’s policies would increase the burden placed on small businesses.
“The Democrats just never seem to do enough with all of the money they get,” Reilly said.
Mike Joshi, a 22-year Norwalk resident, said the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was one of many reasons why he voted for Joe Biden on Tuesday.
“It’s a critical time given the pandemic and everything we’ve got going on, and it’s important for us to have the right leadership in place, more so than ever,” he said.
Sharlene Randall wore a sweatshirt reading “When Will I Matter” as she stood in a 20-minute-long line to vote on Tuesday. Though she wouldn’t reveal whom she voted for, she voted for “a difference from what we’ve been witnessing.”
“This is one of the most important elections in the past 20 years. This is a pivotal moment,” she said.
