West Haven Primary Election 2017: Upset In Mayoral Race (UPDATED)

WEST HAVEN, CT — Challenger Nancy Rossi narrowly defeated two-term incumbent Democratic Mayor Ed O’Brien in Tuesday’s primary election in West Haven.

Rossi, a former city councilwoman, won by a vote of 2,383 to 2,247, according to the New Haven Register. Rossi will face Republican Councilman David Riccio in the upcoming municipal election in November. (To sign up for West Haven breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Both Rossi and O’Brien ran a full slate of candidates in the primary election and the Register reports several of the races for City Council were too close to call late Tuesday night and would likely go to recounts.

On Wednesday morning, O'Brien thanked his supporters in a post on Facebook.

"I want to thank everyone who came out to vote yesterday," O'Brien wrote in the post. "While it didn't turn out the way I wanted or expected it to, the primary results are what they are and my family and I will be fine.

"I want to congratulate all who were successful last night and wish them well and to all that were not, hang in there and stay involved...West Haven needs you.

"For me, I will be fine. I am blessed with a wonderful family and great friends. I had a great life before and during my time as Mayor and I will after my service to the city is done.

"For now, I have until the December 3rd as your Mayor and will continue to rebuild West Haven right up to the end.

"I look forward to seeing all of you for years to come!!"

Read more about Tuesday's election at the New Haven Register here.

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