Greenwich Special Election Results: Arora Wins State Rep Seat

GREENWICH, CT — Republican candidate Harry Arora is the projected winner in a special election to choose a new state representative for Greenwich's 151st district, according to unofficial results from Republican headquarters. Arora ran against Democratic candidate Cheryl Moss to fill the seat left vacant by Fred Camillo after he was elected to the first selectman position in November.

According to preliminary results provided by the RTC, Arora received 2,345 votes and Moss received 1,965 votes. The total number of votes was 4,310.

Patch will update with full numbers later when available.

RTC Chair Richard DiPreta announced the results to a gathering of about 50 excited supporters at The Cos Cobber on E Putnam Avenue around 8:30 p.m.

"We're so proud of Harry and his entire campaign team," DiPreta said. "As we all know, Harry's just the guy to continue to represent us [in Hartford]."

The crowd erupted in cheers of "Harry! Harry!" as Arora entered the building following the announcement.

"We won this because we together ran a great race," Arora said. "We won this because Greenwich has clearly told us that they reject the division and the policies the other party is suggesting, and they accept and embrace what we stand for."

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A resident of Greenwich's "mid-country" area, Arora has worked in the private sector for many years. According to the League of Women Voters, he has run an investment management business in town since 2006.

During that time, he has also been involved in political advocacy. A few years ago, Arora decided he wanted to "make a bigger commitment" to serve his community.

"I am running to build on the legacy of Fred Camillo, our prior state [representative], who worked tirelessly to build consensus, support good fiscally sound and sensible policy, and get things done," Arora said in an email to Patch. "I am running so that our community can lead in Hartford."

Arora said he wants to make sure the Greenwich community plays a lead role in policy-making at the state-level.

"I love my community," Arora said. "My values drive me to spend my time and energy serving the public and making our community, our state and our country a better place for everyone."

• Read Harry Arora's Patch candidate profile here.

Camillo expressed excitement that "his friend" Arora would be heading to Hartford to replace him as the new voice of the 151st District.

"I was honored to be that voice for the past 11 years," Camillo said in an email to Patch, "and know that Harry will experience that same pride of public service that energized me every day since November of 2008. The 151st is in good hands with Harry, and I look forward to partnering with him to advance the goals and protect the interests of our district and town."

On Wednesday, Moss thanked the Democratic Town Committee for giving her the opportunity to run, as well as her "incredible team" and family.

"It's been an amazing experience meeting so many wonderful people in this district," Moss said in an email to Patch. "It was an honor to be able to listen to all their concerns for our wonderful town. It was an uphill battle and we just didn't have the numbers."

Moss also said she was pleased to have the support of so many people, regardless of their political party.

"I can't thank everyone enough for all their hard work," Moss said. "We made a valiant effort; we gave them a real challenge."

The special election only applied to residents of the 151st Assembly District. Polls were open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.