Who the won state races? What we know

Races like the presidential contest in Connecticut and the U.S. Senate races were called early in the night on Tuesday, and only a small percentage of the vote was counted. But the state Senate and House races took longer to call.

As of Wednesday morning, more election results were reported and called by AP.

Locally, however, two General Assembly races remained uncalled as of Wednesday morning: State Senate District 29 and State House District 51.

As of Wednesday morning, the State Senate District 29 race has Democratic incumbent Mae Flexer being challenged by Republican Chris Reddy and Green Party candidate Alice Liebowitz. As of 2.38 a.m. Flexer was leading Reddy 14,637 to 14,422. Liebowitz had 490 votes.

Reddy leads Flexer in state senate race

There will likely be a new state senator in district 29 following a three-way race for the state senate’s 29^th district seat that unseats incumbent Democrat Mae Flexer by Republican Chris Reddy.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, with all precincts reporting, Reddy garnered 20,219 to Flexer’s 19,451 and Green Party candidate Alice Leibowitz’s 681.

Because these figures are so close, neither candidate nor the AP has called the race. In the days following the election, the Secretary of State will certify the election results and candidates will address their supporters.

According to CT state law, the difference between the candidates’ vote tallies permits a recount.

The 29th Connecticut State Senate district includes the communities of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Mansfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Windham, and most of Thompson.

Flexer, who began her political career in Killingly and has served as state senator since 2015,  ran on supporting regional assets which include those for healthcare and education, changes to the states fiscal guardrails, and advocate for workers, families, seniors, veterans, and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Liebowitz hasn’t held political office but was elected to the Board of Directors of the Eat End Food Co-Op in Pittsburg, PA. She ran on school equity, divesting from the defense industry, and voting reform.

Reddy is the chair of Scotland’s Republican Town Committee. He ran on providing more power to municipal governments, energy policy, and supporting police and other public safety measures.

Stewart claims victory in State House District 51 race

With Republican Ricky Hayes not seeking re-election, the 51st Connecticut House District seat was a rare open opportunity. 

Chris Stewart (R) was able to beat Renee Waldron (D), 6,519 to 5,434, as of 2:52 p.m. Wednesday, when an estimated 99 percent of the ballots had been counted. That count meant that Stewart had received 54.5% of the vote and Waldron had 45.5%. 

The 51st Connecticut State House district includes the communities of Killingly, Putnam, and Thompson. 

Stewart, who has served on Putnam’s Board of Education and Republican Town Committee, ran on public safety, reducing energy costs, and supporting education, including through afterschool programs. He thanked his supporters in a post on his campaign’s Facebook page.

“Thank you for your trust, your votes, and your tireless efforts,” Stewart said. “We’ve reached the finish line together, and this victory belongs to all of us!”

Waldron, who has served as a town clerk and recreation director, ran on increasing funding for the healthcare industry, investing in workforce development, and advocacy for affordable housing. She said she enjoyed meeting the residents of Killingly, Putnam and Thompson during her campaign.

“It was a really good experience,” Waldron said. “I wish Chris Stewart the best of luck.”

What triggers a recount in Connecticut?

A recount in Connecticut is called a recanvass. Recounts are conducted through a mix of retabulation and hand counting.

A recount in a Connecticut general election may occur for several reasons. The first reason is a discrepancy in the voting tallies. The moderator at a polling place may call for a recount at his/her discretion. In addition, a tie automatically triggers a recount.

Lastly, a recount is triggered if the margin of victory is either less than 0.5% of the total votes cast for the office (but not more than 2,000 votes), or less than 20 votes.

Connecticut law does not provide for candidate or voter requested recounts.  

Kamala Harris expected to speak at 4 p.m.

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to make her concession speech in the 2024 presidential election Wednesday from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The Democratic presidential nominee, defeated by former President Donald Trump, is expected to deliver the speech at 4 p.m. ET, a source familiar with plans told the USA Today Network.

More: When will Kamala Harris deliver concession speech? Time, what we know

Murphy wins Connecticut senate race: Here’s the results

Chris Murphy, 51, of Hartford, who served in various political offices since 1999, ran on his bipartisanship, and his support of families, small business, infrastructure, curbing gun violence, and affordable healthcare and housing.

Matthew Corey, who is active in the state GOP and in local Republican Town Committees, ran on supporting tax reduction and business growth, border security, supporting Israel, and energy independence.

Green Party candidate Justin Paglino ran on a platform of Medicare for all.

Robert Hyde, who has worked for political campaigns, ran on energy independence, supporting veterans, and reducing taxes and regulations.