Judge Orders New Democratic Primary for Bridgeport House Seat

A Superior Court judge has ordered a new Democratic primary election to resolve the contested results for a Bridgeport-based state House race.

Judge Barry Stevens issued a 14-page ruling Oct. 4 following two recounts and litigation between incumbent Jack Hennessy and city councillor Marcus Brown, who was declared the winner of the original Aug. 9 primary.

The new primary for the 127th House District seat is scheduled for Tuesday Oct. 18—just three weeks before the general election.

The first recount overturned Brown’s initial five-vote win, awarding the primary to Hennessy, who has held the seat since 2005, by one vote.

A second recount then gave the primary election to Brown by two votes, leading to the court hearing and Judge Stevens’ ruling.

Stevens ruled that four voters did not sign absentee vote applications, as required by state law.