NEW HAVEN -- Six years ago, then candidate Toni Harp pounded Justin Elicker in the New Haven Democratic mayoral primary by 27 percent en-route to becoming the city’s first female mayor.
But on Tuesday, Elicker returned the favor by 18 percent.
“We won,” Elicker yelled to a cheering crowd inside the Trinity Bar and Restaurant.
Precincts Reported: 33 of 33 (100.00%)
Democratic Party Toni N. Harp 5,150 41.71%
Democratic Party Justin Elicker 7,198 58.29%
Just before 9:30 Tuesday night, Elicker addressed the large, raucous crowd said three-term Mayor Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) was very cordial in her concession phone call to him. Elicker believed there are several reasons people came out in favor of change. He said number one the city needs to be accessible and responsible to all of its residents.
“I am a runner and the most important thing about running is to pace yourself and work hard the whole time and then sprint at the end,” Elicker said. “And today is just part of a long journey of more than nine months of knocking on doors and talking with thousands of New Haven residents in every neighborhood around the city.”
He said another fault of the Harp administration is that, while they have been busy with all of the wonderful downtown development, they have forgotten the neighborhoods.
“I want to thank each an every one of you, who worked with my campaign over these months and who've worn out your shoes and made telephone calls and for believing in my administration and for what we have stood for,” Harp told her supporters at the 50 Fitch St. restaurant and bar.
Last week, Harp said she was not sure whether she would seek reelection if she didn’t win the primary. Elicker says based on Tuesday’s primary result, it would be very difficult for her to win in November.