2021 Stamford mayoral election explained

Election Name:2021 Stamford mayoral election
Flag Image:Flag of Stamford, Connecticut.svg
Type:Local
Ongoing:no
Previous Year:2017
Next Year:2025
Election Date:November 2, 2021
Turnout:41%
Image1:Prometheum Debate-3 close up (cropped).jpg
Candidate1:Caroline Simmons
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Alliance1:Independent Party of Connecticut
Popular Vote1:15,566
Percentage1:52.54%
Candidate2:Bobby Valentine
Party2:Independent politician
Map Size:150px
Mayor
Before Election:David Martin
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Caroline Simmons
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:14,060
Percentage2:47.46%

The 2021 Stamford mayoral election was held on November 2, 2021. Incumbent Democratic mayor David Martin sought re-election to a third term in office, but lost renomination to state representative Caroline Simmons. Simmons, who was also endorsed by the Independent Party, faced unaffiliated candidate Bobby Valentine.

Initial results indicated Simmons had a huge lead over Valentine.[1] Absentee ballots swung heavily in Simmons' favor resulting in a 5-points lead over Valentine.[2] Following her election, Simmons became Stamford's first female mayor.[3]

Democratic primary

On July 25, the Stamford City Committee narrowly voted to endorse Simmons over the incumbent Martin, with 21 members voting for Simmons and 19 voting for Martin. Shortly thereafter, Martin declared his intention to continue with his candidacy and force a primary. According to the Connecticut Secretary of State, Martin was required to collect 1,550 signatures, 5 percent of the total number of registered Democrats in the city.[4] Martin collected over 3,000 signatures, guaranteeing a Democratic Primary.[5]

The primary was held on September 14.[6] [7] The ballot also included elections for the Stamford Board of Representative District 5, and Stamford Board of Representative District 19.[8] Simmons won in a landslide, earning a majority of support in all of city's 20 voting districts. Martin conceded the night of the primary and endorsed Simmons.[9]

Democrats

Nominee

Eliminated in Primary

Declined

Results

Republican endorsement

The Republican Stamford City Committee endorsed Joe Corsello as its mayoral candidate. However, he withdrew from the race on September 8 and endorsed Bobby Valentine.[16]

Withdrew

Independent endorsement

The Independent Party of Connecticut endorsed Caroline Simmons for mayor in August 2021.[18]

Endorsed candidate

Unaffiliated

Declared

Fundraising

Democratic primary

Campaign finance reports as of July 17, 2021
Quarter1st quarter (January—March 2021)2nd quarter (April—June 2021)
CandidateTotal raisedContributors% who live
in Stamford		Total raisedContributors% who live
in Stamford
David Martin$52,80010058%$25,6009470%
Caroline Simmons$158,00048433%$81,60042060%
[24]

Bobby Valentine

General election

Results

Votes by district
District Caroline Simmons
1881 1054
2463 405
3515 365
4455 359
5431 86
6713 493
7592 425
8543 567
9455 236
10633 404
11803 646
12637 497
131105 1228
14935 772
15897 736
161246 1057
17879 861
18984 1469
191158 1130
201241 1270

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Dixon. Ken. 2021-11-03. Valentine concedes Stamford race but GOP claims widespread wins. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211103012139/https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Many-races-were-still-undecided-Tuesday-night-16586950.php . November 3, 2021 . 2021-11-16. Stamford Advocate. Hearst Communications. en.
  2. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. 2021-11-03. A 1,500 vote difference put Caroline Simmons over Bobby Valentine to become Stamford's next mayor. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211103181707/https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/elections/article/40-percent-voter-turnout-in-Stamford-as-residents-16589053.php . November 3, 2021 . 2021-11-16. Stamford Advocate. Hearst Communications. en.
  3. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. 2021-11-03. Caroline Simmons wins Stamford mayoral election as Bobby Valentine concedes. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211103021711/https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/elections/article/Close-race-in-Stamford-for-mayor-as-results-start-16587037.php . November 3, 2021 . 2021-11-13. Stamford Advocate. Hearst Communications. en.
  4. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. July 25, 2021. Simmons narrowly wins Stamford's Democratic endorsement for mayor; Martin looks to force primary. September 10, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  5. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. August 12, 2021. Martin hands in signatures to force primary against Simmons. September 10, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  6. Web site: Simmons narrowly wins Stamford's Democratic endorsement for mayor; Martin looks to force primary. July 25, 2021.
  7. Web site: Who will Democrats choose for Stamford mayor? Simmons, Martin to face off in Sept. 14 primary. August 13, 2021.
  8. Web site: Ruijter. Lyda. Notice of Primary. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210910014335/https://www.stamfordct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8494/637648858368100000 . September 10, 2021 .
  9. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. Valle. Verónica Del. September 15, 2021. State Rep. Caroline Simmons defeats Mayor David Martin in Stamford Democratic mayoral primary. September 15, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  10. Web site: Keating. Christopher. September 15, 2021. State Rep. Caroline Simmons upsets two-term incumbent mayor in Stamford primary; Sanchez wins in New Britain. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211003155209/https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-simmons-wins-stamford-mayor-20210915-c5fjq3hw2jgzxmztfwme7xpgxe-story.html . October 3, 2021 . October 3, 2021. Hartford Courant. Tribune Publishing. en.
  11. Web site: February 10, 2021. State. Rep. Caroline Simmons to challenge incumbent David Martin in Stamford mayoral race. June 8, 2021. News 12 - The Bronx.
  12. Web site: Laguarda. Ignacio. February 14, 2021. 'I truly love it': Martin seeks reelection as Simmons challenges him for Stamford mayor. June 8, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  13. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. September 15, 2021. Democrats unite after primary: Simmons and Martin take aim at November election - and Valentine. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210916131623/https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/elections/article/Incumbents-fall-in-Stamford-s-Democratic-primary-16461795.php . September 16, 2021 . October 3, 2021. Stamford Advocate. Hearst Communications. en.
  14. Web site: Carella. Angela. December 26, 2020. At least 2 Stamford Dems weighing 2021 runs for mayor. June 8, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  15. Web site: Simmons outraises Martin by $100,000 as field for Stamford mayoral election could still change. April 20, 2021.
  16. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. September 8, 2021. Joe Corsello, Republican candidate for Stamford mayor, drops out of race and endorses Bobby Valentine. September 10, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  17. Web site: Republican Joe Corsello - a vet, former cop and drummer - gets GOP endorsement for Stamford mayor. July 27, 2021.
  18. Web site: Gurciullo. Brianna. August 20, 2021. Independent Party endorses Simmons for Stamford mayor. August 24, 2021. StamfordAdvocate. en-US.
  19. Web site: May 7, 2021. Home run: Ex-manager Bobby V. in mayoral race. May 7, 2021. ESPN.com. en.
  20. Web site: Bobby Valentine Running For Mayor of Stamford. May 7, 2021. NBC Connecticut. May 7, 2021 . en-US.
  21. Web site: Stamford mayoral hopeful Bobby Valentine seals position on November ballot. August 2, 2021.
  22. Web site: OP-ED | Local Primaries Are Shaping up. But What do Voters Want?. August 3, 2021.
  23. Web site: Hometown legend vs. State rep. Who beat Stamford's mayor. Valentine, Simmons: Not your average race. September 25, 2021.
  24. Web site: July 17, 2021. George Bush, Linda McMahon among donors: Valentine outraises Simmons and Martin in Stamford mayoral campaign.
  25. Web site: SEEC Campaign Filing Stamford, CT. October 20, 2021. www.stamfordct.gov.

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