NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — State Rep. Bobby Sanchez, a Democrat, has declared victory in the mayoral race in New Britain .

The announcement came while votes were still being counted as of 10 p.m. Tuesday night.

“Tonight, New Britain chose progress,” Sanchez said after declaring victory. “I’m deeply honored by the faith this community has placed in me, and I will work every day to earn it. This campaign was never about one person, it was about bringing people together to make our city stronger, safer, and fairer for everyone.”

The race followed outgoing Mayor Erin Stewart's announcement in January that she would "explore" a run for governor . Stewart was first elected at the age of 26 in November 2013 and reelected six times.

With the city's top position left open for the first time in ov

See Full Page