Ned Lamont has been re-elected for a second term as governor of Connecticut.
NBC News has projected Lamont, the Democratic incumbent, as the winner in the race against Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski.
Lamont, a Democrat, spent much of his first term navigating Connecticut through the COVID-19 pandemic. His campaign has painted a positive picture of a state that is “getting its mojo back” economically and attracting new residents and businesses.
"We had a good election, a fair election. Now we all come together, we work together as one, because that's what Connecticut always does. That's the Connecticut difference, right?" Lamont said in a speech right before being declared the project winner.
Election Results 2022
Source: Associated Press. (Note: This data may be slightly different than results from NBC News' Decision Desk used elsewhere on this site)
Amy O'Kruk/NBC
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President Joe Biden made a congratulatory call to Lamont Tuesday night.
In a recent Quinnipiac University poll, Lamont led his Republican challenger by nearly a dozen percentage points.
Bob Stefanowski's campaign released a statement on Wednesday morning. This is his statement.
"Thank you to those of you who believed in this campaign and our mission to provide a better Connecticut.
"What we hoped to be celebrating as an achievement today can still be recognized as a substantial step in the right direction. This campaign was never about me. It was about the Connecticut resident struggling to afford the cost of living. The police officer putting his life on the line every single day. The family who wants to feel safer going to bed each night. And the mom who wants to raise her child as she sees fit.
"I implore Governor Lamont to support the people who voted for him as much as the ones who did not. Politics has become too divisive and the great people of Connecticut deserve better.
"I want to thank our dedicated supporters and volunteers, our terrific campaign team, our friends, and our families for allowing us to give so much time and energy these past months.
"The results of this election are not what we had hoped for. But while the outcome was not in our control, the actions we take moving forward from here are. This campaign was an example of what can be done when you stand up for what you believe in. We may not have won, but we changed the course of Connecticut by advocating for the people.
"Let’s keep working hard. Let’s keep asking questions and expecting answers from our state government. Our passion to help others does not end with this election and we are looking forward to a great future for Connecticut."
Stefanowski ran against Lamont four years ago and lost by just a small percent of voters. He has accused Lamont of being oblivious to the financial toll that high inflation and taxes have taken on residents. He called for putting about half of the state’s budget surplus toward tax cuts.
The two presented starkly different views of public safety in Connecticut. Stefanowski called crime in Connecticut “out of control,” echoing a message from Republicans across the country, and proposed overhauling parts of the 2020 police accountability law which he said is to blame for challenges recruiting more police officers.
Lamont has countered with statistics that show a 3% reduction in overall crime between 2020 and 2021, saying it’s a positive trend despite political “fearmongering.”
Independent candidate Rob Hotaling also ran for the seat. For Connecticut residents, inflation and taxes appear to be the most urgent issues facing the state.
"I congratulate Governor Lamont on his victory and I hope Connecticut experiences growth and prosperity under his leadership," Hotaling said in a statement. "I am also very proud of my campaign and my team. During our campaign for Governor and Lt. Governor, Chip Beckett and I presented a platform which offered a path for Connecticut to achieve genuine progress.
"We said the campaign for governor should be about the best ideas, not the biggest bank accounts. We put forward honest, substantive policy proposals – to create jobs and expand our economy, to close the achievement gap, and to address the affordable housing crisis in Connecticut.
"While we did not prevail, the experience of meeting voters all across Connecticut was an enriching and irreplaceable experience and I look forward to serving our great state in the future," Hotaling's statement says.
Democrats have focused heavily on the abortion issue, in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They hope to drive abortion-rights supporters to the polls in a state where abortion is legal with restrictions. Stefanowski calls himself “pro-choice,” but Democrats have argued he can’t be trusted to protect Connecticut’s laws.
To see the results of local races, click here.
