Zoe Berg, Senior Photographer

The midterm elections are today, Nov. 8. The News’ live coverage has concluded.

Key races:

• Governor: incumbent Ned Lamont (D) versus Bob Stefanowski (R), Rob Hotaling (I), and Michelle Bicking (Green)
• Secretary of the State: Stephanie Thomas (D) versus Dominic Rapini (R)
• State treasurer: Erick Russell (D) versus Harry Arora (R)
• Comptroller: Sean Scanlon (D) versus Mary Fay (R)
• U.S. Senate: incumbent Richard Blumenthal (D) versus Leora Levy (R)
• U.S. House of Representatives: incumbent Rosa DeLauro (D) versus Lesley Denardis (R), Justin Paglino (Green) and Amy Chai (I)
• Attorney General: incumbent William Tong (D) against Jessica Kordas (R), Ken Krayeske (Green) and A.P. Pascarella (I)

Also on the ballot:

• Constitutional amendment: Allow early voting legislation
• All nine members of New Haven’s delegation in the state legislature

Polls close at 8 p.m. today. Voters can register to vote today at New Haven City Hall. Check registration and confirm poll location here. 

Live updates

DeLauro claims victory at Election Night party

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro has declared victory against her Republican opponent Lesley DeNardis at her Election Night watch party at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. 

“We’ve got a victory and we’re going from there,” the Democrat said, basing her prediction on data from New Haven’s Democratic Town Committee. “From the information we’ve collected from the DTC precincts, not counting absentee ballots, we will win by 18 percent … I am declaring victory.”

DeLauro also shared her confidence in the victory of incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, who is facing a hotly contested race tonight in Connecticut’s 5th congressional district.

“I am confident we will return the entire [Connecticut] congressional delegation to Congress,” she said. “The Senate is a tossup and the House is touch and go but leaning Republican.”

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Connecticut Republicans “keep the faith” in Trumbull, 10:00 p.m.

Republicans from across the state gathered for an Election Night watch party at the Marriott Hotel in Trumbull, Conn.

The cocktail reception of about 200 remained calm as the Associated Press called the U.S. Senate race between Richard Blumenthal and Leora Levy in favor of the Democratic incumbent Blumenthal a quarter before nine p.m..

Before the reception, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski spoke with reporters and called for voters to take a chance on his campaign, describing inflation and crime as key concerns among Connecticut residents. 

During the event, candidates and officials mingled with campaign organizers alike, the scene resembling a reception more than a wait for election results. 

Attendees were generally optimistic about Republican hopes in Connecticut. Voters, they said, were fed up with inflation. 

“Unique times call for unique responses and unique people and Bob’s a unique person,” said Alex Yaworowski, a Stefanowski campaign volunteer from Milford. “You see the price of gas. It’s crazy.”

Attendee Nicholas Perricone was similarly optimistic. Due to inflation, he said, voters wanted to give someone else a try at governance. 

As the crowd awaited results at 9:27 p.m., Jamye Stevenson, the Republican candidate for Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed the crowd. 

“Connecticut on the cusp of the red wave, could you ever have imagined that?” said Stevenson. 

In her speech, she echoed increasingly common Republican talking points, expressing mistrust in the media and the Democratic process. 

“Don’t listen to the media when they call a race with only two percent tally in,” Stevenson said. “It’s not over until it’s over.”

Experts this election season have emphasized the fairness, security and accuracy of the election process. 

Next spoke Dominic Rapini, the Republican candidate for secretary of the state who has ties to the organization Fight Voter Fraud, Inc, which filed unfounded claims of voter fraud to the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission.

“Right now we’re witnessing before our eyes how the sausage is made,” Rapini said. “I know the emotions are running the full range, but I’m very excited and very optimistic. Stay together shoulder to shoulder because of the big night ahead of us. Keep the faith.”

– Charlotte Hughes, staff reporter

Democratic Town Chair predicts Lamont will win New Haven by 15K votes, 9:28 p.m.

DTC Chair Vince Mauro told the News that based on the numbers he has received from DTC co-chairs for the thirty wards across New Haven, Lamont will win New Haven by 15,000 votes. In 2018, Lamont won by 23,000 votes. 

With 12 percent of the vote, or 175,000 votes, reported across the state, Lamont has won 54 percent of the vote compared to Stefanowski’s 44.2 percent. 

– Charlotte Hughes & Yash Roy, staff reporters

Final sell for Stefanowski, 9:19 p.m. 

Before the polls across the state closed, at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Bob Stefanowski commented on the race so far at the Trumbull Marriott on 180 Hawley Lane. 

His final message to voters?

“I think people are ready for a change,” Stefanowski said. “Connecticut needs a change in direction. The only way to do that is to change the governor.”

Stefanowski said that the campaign was feeling good, with good turnout in key areas for Republicans. 

The biggest issue facing Connecticut, he said, is affordability. 

“You hear about people filling up their oil tanks halfway. You hear about people not being able to afford food and prescription drugs at the same time.”

Concerns about safety, inflation and the contents of public school education were top concerns for voters, Stefanowski said. 

He added that he ran his campaign somewhat differently this year. In his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial campaign against Lamont, he was “a little tight.”

“I didn’t let people see I’m a normal guy,” Stefanowski said. “I grew up in New Haven. I went to the public schools. I worked hard, I built a family here. I built a career here. I just want to give back.”

– Charlotte Hughes, staff reporter

Polls close, 8:02 p.m.

Polls have now closed in Connecticut. Those remaining in line at a polling station at 8 p.m. are still eligible to vote.

The Associated Press called Connecticut’s senate election for incumbent Democrat Richard Blumenthal, with 0 percent of the vote reported. He beat Republican Leora Levy. 

The Associated Press has called the election for 94th District State Robyn Porter and the 95th District Juan Candelaria. They faced no Republican opponents.

Abortion top of mind for some voters, 7:08 p.m.

Alyssa Vega, who moved to New Haven in June to work at a gynecology office, said that she registered to vote in New Haven and voted on Tuesday to support pro-choice candidates. 

“I work in an office that helps women get abortion pills and other help they might need,” Vega said. “So for everyone in my office supporting pro-choice candidates is very important.” 

Vega was not the only voter to identify reproductive rights as a reason they voted. Iri Baker, who lives in Westville, said that this was the first time she was voting in an election. 

“We need change,” Baker told the News. “Every woman should have the right to choose what they do with their bodies without the government interfering.”

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Yale affiliates register and vote at City Hall, 7:07 p.m.

Yalies and New Haveners are lining up at City Hall to both register and vote in today’s elections. As of the close of polls at 8 p.m., 660 people had same-day registered to cast their ballots in New Haven. The line to register was more than 30 people long at approximately 6:40 p.m. and began spilling into the main lobby. 

“It took me only ten minutes to register and vote,” Carigan McGuinn ’25 told the News. “They just asked for my YaleID. I was drinking my Jitterbus dirty chai the entire time.”

“I voted in New Haven because I’m originally from California which is solid blue,” Ty Kushi ’26 told the News. “It seems like it’s more likely a Republican might win in Connecticut and I wanted to do my part to make sure that didn’t happen.” 

Others registered on the day of the election in New Haven because they didn’t receive their ballots from their home states like Yuukal Huba ’22, who is from North Carolina originally, and Stephen Carrabino ’22, from New Hampshire. 

College students can generally choose to vote absentee in their home states or vote in the state in which their school is located.

Spencer Law DIV ’24, originally from Virgina, and Lydia Hoffman GRD ’23, originally from New Hampshire, both decided to register in New Haven as graduate students because New Haven has started to feel more like home than where they grew up. 

Law told the News that he no longer likes or identifies with Virginia politics, which was part of the reason he changed his registration to Connecticut.

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Third-party candidates call at Wexler-Grant, 6:22 p.m.

Turnout was steady late afternoon as work ended and people headed to the polls at the Wexler Grant Community School.

As of 5:15 p.m., 165 people in Connecticut’s District 93 had voted, and 245 people in Connecticut’s District 94 had voted. 

“Turnout is steady which is very important,” said Jeanette Morrison, the Ward 22 alder. “Unfortunately a lot of people aren’t aware of the question about early voting. We’re pushing that to make sure people vote that question.”

Justin Paglino, the Green Party candidate running against Rosa DeLauro in her 16th campaign for Congress, was greeting voters coming to the Wexler Grant polling station.

Paglino said that no matter the results of the election, he would continue to push for single-payer healthcare. 

“It’s not easy being Green,” Paglino said. “It’s not easy getting on the ballot. We don’t have the same resources [as the major parties].”

Michelle Turner voted at the Wexler-Grant polling station. 

“This is always a simple process,” Turner said. “I have to hand it to this district because they do a good job of getting you in and getting you out. So it was smooth.”

Turner explained her major concerns in the election — women’s rights, voter suppression and “people thinking that certain laws restrict you as an individual when in fact we are a nation that has to protect ourselves as a community.”

– Charlotte Hughes, staff reporter

Local Dems canvass, welcome voters at polls, 5:10 p.m.

Alders and state legislators are out in full force today, welcoming voters to polling places across the city and encouraging them to vote. 

At Roberto Clemente School, Long Wharf Alder Carmen Rodriguez stood and greeted voters before they headed in to cast their ballots. 

“It’s so important for people in this ward to show up and make their voices heard, our vote is our voice,” Rodriguez told the News. “Almost every resident that me or my team has called has told me that they’ve already voted or are planning to come right after they get off work.”  

In front of the Ward 4 polling place at the Truman School, Alder Evelyn Rodriguez told the News that she was there to answer questions and encourage voters to show up. Her ward’s demographics have changed in recent years with expansion of the Yale New Haven Hospital and new apartment construction.  

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Where voter turnout stands, 4:29 p.m.

As of 3 p.m., 767 people have voted at the Hall of Records polling location, one of three places where Yale students who live on campus can vote. Democratic Town Committee officials say that this count is on track with previous elections. 

As of 2 p.m., around 200 have voted at Wexler Grant school, another location serving a portion of on-campus Yalies.

According to Mauro, turnout looks comparable to 2018 midterm elections, when turnout was 65.23 percent.

– Yash Roy, staff reporter

DeLauro, Lamont make last-minute mad dash, 4:26 p.m.

DeLauro voted around 9 a.m. this morning at the Hall of Records and is spending the rest of the day visiting polling places across the third congressional district, centered around New Haven. 

She is visiting Wallingford at the Colony Diner, Naugatuck at the Armory, Seymour at the town’s community center, Derby at the Irving School, Orange at the High Plains Community Center, Shelton at the Long Hill School and Shelton at the Shelton Intermediate School. DeLauro will close out the night at an election watch party at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven. 

Lamont was in Newhallville around noon and will also visit Stamford, Bridgeport, New Britain and Hartford today. 

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Secretary of the State candidate Stephanie Thomas confident that she, early voting ballot question will prevail, 4:25 p.m.

Stephanie Thomas, who is running for secretary of the state, told the News that going around the state today she is confident in a victory against Republican opponent Dominic Rapini. 

“I’m fighting for protecting our democracy and that used to sound like an exaggeration but it’s sadly the reality we face today across the country,” Thomas said. “In office, I will work to not only engage voters who register to make sure they vote because its not just important to get them to register and to vote, we also need to make sure they’re engaged after the election.” 

Thomas also predicted that the early voting amendment question on the state ballot would also prevail today.

“535,000 registered voters didn’t vote last time, and I’m guessing a lot of them didn’t vote because they couldn’t get off work or came and saw the line and had to go to their shift so early voting is a way to allow for these people to vote,” Newhallville state representative Robyn Porter told the News.

– Yash Roy, staff reporter

Smooth sailing so far, 3:57 p.m.

Deputy Registrar of Voters Jeff Weiss, a former chairman for New Haven’ Republican party, was moderating the Hall of Records polling location on Orange Street. He said that operations have been running “flawlessly” so far.

“Turnout has been steady throughout the day pretty consistent,” Weiss said. It’s probably a little heavier than a typical midterm.”

— Hannah Kotler, contributing reporter

Lamont, Blumenthal visit Newhallville school, 1:57 p.m.

NEWHALLVILLE — Top Democrats including Gov. Ned Lamont and Sen. Richard Blumenthal gathered at Lincoln Bassett Community School to talk to voters and thank poll workers.

They were greeted by students participating in exit polling through a civic education program run by the non-profit Inspired Communities. 

“It’s important for these kids to see these role models past just ads on TV,” said Kim Harris, who founded the nonprofit. “It means so much in Newhallville for these kids to see the people that can do more for them and inspire them. And, by giving them this exposure early we’re ensuring they stay involved because I’m sure one of these kids will be governor one day.” 

AFL-CIO Connecticut President Ed Hawthorne told the News that it was important for politicians like Lamont and Blumenthal to visit Newhallville, because areas like Newhallville have historically faced issues accessing the polls as well as being heard in government. 

28 percent of Newhallville residents are under the poverty line and sixty-seven percent are low-income or make less than double the federal poverty line which is $27,000 for a four person family. Nationally, the population living under the poverty line is 11 percent.  

State senator Gary Winfield, who represents this area of Newhallville, said that he had observed better turnout than he expected for a midterm election.

“I’m voting Democrat because Lamont and the Democrats represent my values,” Newhallville voter Rosemary Owunna told the News. “They’ve done good work for four years and brought investment to my community so I voted for them again.” 

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

More photos

More election stories

State Dems descend on New Haven for final pitches

Key Democratic candidates for statewide office gathered at New Haven’s BAR Pizza to make their final call to action before Election Day.

Click here for the full story.

— Charlotte Hughes, staff reporter

Yale Votes and YCC continue advocacy for Election Day off

Administrators have declined requests by Yale Votes and the Yale College Council to make Election Day a University holiday, which they argue would increase voting access for faculty, staff and students.

Click here for the full story.

— Janalie Cobb, staff reporter

Ahead of elections, state Dems poised to sweep across Connecticut

Amidst predictions of a ”red wave” nationally, most Connecticut state Democrats are favored to win their elections. Republicans have a chance to pick off a congressional district in northwestern Connecticut.

Click here for the full story.

— Yash Roy, staff reporter

Connecticut to decide on early voting in November referendum

The League of Women Voters has been campaigning in New Haven to register voters and raise awareness for an early voting referendum years in the making.

Click here for the full story.

— Charlotte Hughes, staff reporter