Madison GOP Candidate Accused Of Domestic Assault: Cops

MADISON, CT — Tom Gilmer, a Republican vying for the 2nd Congressional District seat in Tuesday's primary election, ended his campaign after he was arrested Monday night, according to the state Republican Party.

The party said in a tweet Tuesday the "severity of the accusations" led Gilmer to withdraw from the race against Justin Anderson.

Gilmer was charged with strangulation and unlawful restraint in connection with a domestic assault in Wethersfield, police said. He was released on $5,000 bond and is due in court in New Britain Tuesday.

Madison police Capt. Joseph Race told Patch that Wethersfield police contacted the department around a week ago asking them to visit Gilmer's house. Officers did but it wasn't until Monday night that he was home, Race said, adding Gilmer was cooperative during his arrest.

"We work well with our law enforcement partners across the state," Race said adding. "We're happy to help another department, and we know if need be, they'll return the favor."

Gilmer's campaign's website and Facebook page have been removed.

In a Hartford Courant report, Gilmer released a statement accusing Anderson of “slinging mud."

The paper reported Gilmer as saying,“Now I find myself in a position where I must put my family and our shared Republican values before my own interests. I cannot in good conscience move forward in this campaign while I am simultaneously forced to clear my name. And clear my name I will.”

The Courant reported that Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano said,"Anderson told him in April or May that there was a video of the fight, which the party chairman told Anderson to turn over to police."

Check back for updates.

Read more about Gilmer >> CT Primary Election 2020: Candidate Tom Gilmer of Madison