Connecticut Elections Commission Refers Complaint Against Bridgeport Officials for Prosecution

The Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) has voted unanimously to refer a complaint against Bridgeport Democrat party official Wanda Geter-Pataky and City Council President Aidee Nieves to the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. The complaint, filed on September 15, 2023, pertains to alleged election law violations during the recent mayoral primary election between incumbent Joe Ganim and challenger John Gomes. SEEC staff attorney William B. Smith confirmed that the commission authorized the referral for potential criminal prosecution. The complaint, obtained by The Epoch Times, was initiated by Denise Solano, who claims that Geter-Pataky promised an elderly resident an affordable housing unit in exchange for voting for Ganim instead of Gomes. Additionally, Solano alleges that Nieves contacted a voter multiple times, offering to collect their absentee ballot, which she deemed illegal. This incident marks another SEEC complaint against Geter-Pataky, who was previously arrested in June for allegedly mishandling absentee ballots during the 2019 Democratic primary. Solano, who previously ran for city council, expressed relief that her complaint is being pursued, stating that democracy is currently lacking in Bridgeport. Meanwhile, Gomes has called for a more expedited process for handling such complaints. The Bridgeport Police Department and City of Bridgeport have refrained from commenting, as the investigation falls outside their jurisdiction. The Chief State’s Attorney's office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.