In the often contentious 13th District state senate race, Democratic challenger and Meriden city councilor Dante Bartolomeo defeated first-term Republican incumbent Len Suzio.
Bartolomeo's victory restores what had, until recently, been long-held Democratic control over the district, which serves the towns of Meriden, Cheshire, Middletown and Middlefield.
"After 10 long months, I can't believe it," said a tearful Bartolomeo upon hearing that Suzio conceded the close race.
Voters in Meriden, home city to both Suzio and Bartolomeo, supported Bartolomeo with 9,919 votes to Suzio's 8,919, according to unofficial tallies at Meriden Democratic Party Headquarters.
"I promise you I will fight like a bulldog up there," Bartolomeo told supporters.
