Ernie Newton, a former state senator and convicted felon, won the Democratic endorsement on Monday night for the state senate seat that he held seven years ago.
Newton won the endorsement over incumbent Edwin Gomes and state Rep. Andres Ayala, but both men did receive enough votes to qualify for a primary.
Newton’s nearly two-decade long legislative career came to an end in 2005 when he was arrested and charged with accepting bribes, evading taxes and pilfering campaign contributions.
He was released from federal prison in February 2010 and completed the rest of his sentence in a Waterbury halfway house.
“As a former state Senate colleague, Ernie and I worked together for many years. While I wish him well in all his endeavors, when Ernie and I recently spoke I told him that I do not think that this is the best decision, for him or the City,” Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said in a statement.
