Parker Congratulates Kokoruda on Win in Gracious Concession

MADISON, CT - Politics can be a tough, dirty game - especially these days. But that's not the case in the hard-fought 101st District race that went to a recount and where incumbent Republican Noreen Kokoruda won a close race against Democrat John-Parker.

Kokoruda was gracious in victory and had kind words about her opponent. And for good reason - here's what Parker had to say about the race to Patch.

"It has been an extraordinary privilege to run for state representative here in the place I was born and raised, and I will be forever grateful for the experience. I am proud of our team for all we accomplished, thankful to my community for their thoughtful and passionate engagement throughout the process, and heartened about the future of Connecticut—and our country.

"The people of Madison and Durham (and, indeed, of the United States) have made clear that in a political and cultural moment that seems to reward division and partisanship, a campaign run on positivity, hope, and coming-together can have a real impact at the polls. I have congratulated Noreen on her victory and look forward to supporting her work over the next two years.

"And I am eager to serve the community and the state I love in some other capacity by working on the issues of equity, opportunity, and growth that motivated so many to join our campaign and show up on November 6 to vote. Thank you to the election officials who went above and beyond in completing this recount, and to everyone who stuck with us through to the very end. I hope you'll stay with us for the next chapter."