Ned Lamont has conceded the Democratic race for governor.
With the concession, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy takes the nomination from the better funded candidate,
Lamont spent $8.6 million to his own campaign, according to the Connecticut Mirror. Earlier this week, the Mirror reported that this is a new record for a state gubernatorial campaign, outspending the $6.5 million Republican John Rowland spent on his entire campaign in 2002.
In his concession speech, Lamont thanked his supporters and family and urged people to stand behind Malloy.
"All we need is a little leadership. Stand behind Dan Malloy. Stand behind the Democrat ticket. Let's get this state moving again," he said.
He also tweeted a message of congratulations to Malloy: Congrats to Dan tonight, and thank you so much to all of you who worked hard and helped move our state forward. Keep believing!
Lamont ran against U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in 2006. He won the primary but went on to lose the general election when Lieberman ran for Senate as an independent.
Politics
At 9:43 p.m., Malloy tweeted: THANK YOU! ON TO NOVEMBER!!!
Malloy took the lead soon after the campaign turned negative, with the candidates trading accusations about each other's records.
In November, he and his running mate, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, ill compete against the Republican nominee.
With 59 percent of precincts reporting, that race has not yet been declared. Former ambassador Tom Foley is ahead with 43 percent of the vote, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele is in the second spot with 38 percent and Oz Griebel has 19 percent.
In a poll released on Monday, Quinnipiac University called the race too close to call, but Lamont had a slight lead with 45 percent and Malloy with 42 percent.
As of 9:41 p.m., 45 percent of the precincts were reporting and had Malloy with 58 percent of the vote and Lamont with 42 percent.
