4-Way Democratic Mayoral Primary Expected In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A four-way Democratic Primary election for mayor is expected after Lauren Garrett won the party’s endorsement at Tuesday night’s convention, according to the New Haven Independent.

The Independent reports Garrett received 39 votes to beat out Brad Macdowall (14 votes) and Peter Cyr (eight votes) and earn the party’s endorsement for mayor. Both Macdowall and Cyr are expected to petition their way onto the Sept. 14 Democratic Primary ballot, according to the Independent.

Incumbent Democratic Mayor Curt Balzano Leng did not seek the party’s endorsement and will seek a fourth full-term in office through the primary election. Leng has been at odds with the new leadership of the Democratic Town Committee and said it doesn’t “represent the average Hamden Democrat,” according to the Independent.

Leng and Garrett faced off in the Democratic Primary election in 2019 after Leng received the party’s endorsement by a 34-27 margin over Garrett, who was serving on the Legislative Council at the time. Leng defeated Garrett in the primary and went on to beat Republican Jay Kaye in the municipal election.

Garrett’s campaign website listed the following for “why I’m running”:

“As a small business owner, former member of our Town Council, and as a mother of three children attending our public schools I have seen firsthand the struggles we face in our town; with integrity and hope we can create a bright future for the town we all love.”

Leng announced Wednesday that he will run with a slate of candidates under the Leng for Hamden ticket. The first addition to the ticket is Melinda Saller as a candidate for Town Clerk. Saller is the current Hamden Board of Education secretary and was formerly president of the Hamden PTA Council and West Woods PTA.

“Serving as mayor and having the opportunity to lead and represent our hometown has been a true honor,” Leng said in a campaign announcement. “These past two years have been extremely challenging, from tornadoes to tropical storms, financial challenges and a global pandemic, but we are still fighting and working hard for Hamden. Ensuring that our residents remain informed, have strong essential public services, and have confidence that a team of experienced and caring professionals are always prepared for every pitch thrown and challenge presented is our highest responsibility. Our work isn’t finished yet.”

Leng also announced Wednesday night that longtime Town Clerk Vera Morrison is retiring after 26 years in the position.

“Our Town Clerk extraordinaire, Vera Morrison, is retiring after 26 years serving as our amazing, hard working, fairly & honestly, displaying consistent sound judgement and always being above reproach,” Leng wrote in a post on Facebook. “She is without question one of the finest public servants I’ve ever had the honor to work with & someone who has taught me so much about government and about life. She’s a very special and loved friend and that is a blessing to anyone who knows her and has been able to create that relationship with her. Thank you for all you’ve given to our Town and thank you for being you!”

Read about the endorsed Democratic candidates at the New Haven Independent here.