Updated 10:10 p.m. | Former State Rep. Elizabeth Esty has won the Democratic nomination in the open-seat race for Connecticut’s 5th district, according to the Associated Press. Esty had garnered 43 percent of the vote when the race was called.
State Speaker Chris Donovan was in second with 35 percent. Public relations executive Dan Roberti was in third with 23 percent.
It is the conclusion to one of the toughest-fought Congressional primaries this cycle.
Donovan was the early frontrunner, until two of his campaign staffers were indicted over the summer for alleged campaign finance violations. Labor and base liberals continued to steadfastly back him.
The foundation of Esty’s campaign was based in EMILY’s List support.
A super PAC backed television ads that supported Roberti in recent weeks, and he also received a last-minute endorsement from President Bill Clinton on Monday.
This is an open-seat race to replace Rep. Christopher Murphy (D), who is running for Senate.
As events unfolded over the summer, Republicans have played close attention to the race.
Updated 10:10 p.m.
On the Republican side in the 5th district, state Sen. Andrew Roraback won the primary with 33 percent at the time the Associated Press called the race. Businessman Mark Greenberg was in second place at 28 percent, businesswoman Lisa Wilson-Foley and veteran Justin Bernier were tied for third at 19 percent.
Both parties nominated what were likely their strongest general election candidates.
