Caroline Simmons Defeats Incumbent Mayor David Martin In Primary

STAMFORD, CT — After receiving her party's endorsement in July for mayor of Stamford, State Rep. Caroline Simmons now appears to have the support from the electorate.

Simmons claimed victory in the Democratic primary Tuesday night over incumbent Mayor David Martin. Simmons watched the results come in at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on Pacific Street.

According to unofficial results from Simmons' campaign, Simmons outpaced Martin in every one of Stamford's 20 voting districts. Her lead is greater than all absentee ballots, which have yet to be fully counted.

Simmons, 35, has been a State Representative for the 144th District since 2014. She was endorsed by the Democratic City Committee in July over Martin by a vote of 21-19. Martin then collected the requisite number of signatures to force a primary.

Martin was first elected as mayor in 2013. After the results came in Tuesday night, Martin spoke briefly to supporters at his headquarters on Hope Street. While he expressed disappointment in the results, he said he'd support Simmons who will now go up against former Major League Baseball manager Bobby Valentine in the election on Nov. 2.

Valentine is running as an unaffiliated candidate.

Stamford residents also voted for several Board of Representative candidates Tuesday.

In District 5, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State, challengers Bonnie Kim Campbell (166 votes) and Melinda Punkin Baxter (170 votes) defeated incumbent Reps. Lila Wallace (147 votes) and Gloria DePina (138 votes).

In District 19, Jennifer Matheny (319 votes) and Don Mays (320 votes) secured victories over John Pelliccia (292 votes) and Pina Basone (286 votes).

Click here for a more in-depth story on Simmons' victory