Paris Claims Victory In Special Election For 145th House District

STAMFORD, CT — Democratic candidate Corey Paris ultimately pulled ahead of Republican candidate Juan David Ospina in the race for the 145th House District during a special election held Tuesday.

According to results provided by the city's Registrar of Voters office, Paris garnered 730 votes while Ospina got 225.

Paris claimed victory shortly after the polls closed Tuesday evening on his campaign's Facebook page. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"Corey Paris is the next state representative for the 145th District," the Facebook post reads. "Thank you, Stamford, for your trust, confidence and vote."

According to the Stamford Advocate, Ospina said Tuesday evening that he conceded the race.

The special election was scheduled earlier this year by Gov. Ned Lamont to fill a vacancy for state representative in the 145th Assembly District of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

The seat, which consists of portions of Stamford, became vacant last month following the resignation of Patricia Billie Miller, who was elected to serve in the state senate during a special election held March 2.

Stamford City and Town Clerk Lyda Ruijter said 218 absentee ballots were returned for Tuesday's special election. She also noted the percentage of votes cast by absentee ballots was higher than in usual elections, but possibly slightly lower than the amount cast during the presidential election in November and the previous special election in March.

"This drop is probably due to the vaccination rate and the improvement in the infection rates," Ruijter said in an email.

According to his website, Paris serves as development director for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) and as vice-chairman for the Mayor's Multicultural Council. He was appointed to the latter position by Mayor David Martin in 2016.

Ospina is a U.S. Army veteran and currently serves as a member of Stamford's Social Service Commission, according to his website. He is also active with the Stamford Public Education Fund, where he is an advocate for children through the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI).

Patch has reached out to Paris and Ospina for further information.