Matt Lesser wins 9th Senate District race, which gained national attention over mailer viewed as anti-Semitic.

‘Anti-Semitic’ Flyer Got National Notice

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown Democrat Matt Lesser defeated Rocky Hill Republican Ed Charamut in the 9th Senate District race Tuesday.

He said in a victory speech in downtown Middletown that he had support from across the five-town senate district that showed people are looking for an advocate for the middle class.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a victory, it’s a vindication,” Lesser said. “It means we’re rejecting the politics of hate and we think the best days for Connecticut are ahead.”

Their race made national news last week after a campaign mailer Charamut sent out was considered by many to feature an anti-Semitic image of Lesser.

Lesser, who is Jewish, said the mailer was an offensive use of derogatory imagery that has been used against Jewish people for hundreds of years.

Charamut apologized to Lesser and the Jewish community, but said the anti-Semitic imagery was unintentional. He said it was intended to show Lesser as a high-spending Democrat who would raise taxes on Connecticut residents.

“If we’re going to build prosperity in Connecticut, we’re going to do it by lifting everyone up not tearing everyone down,” Lesser said.

Charamut could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Lesser and Charamut each won primaries in August to run for the seat, which had been held for years by Sen. Paul Doyle of Wethersfield. Doyle, an attorney, was one of several Democrats seeking the party nomination to run for state attorney general.

The 9th Senate District covers all or parts of Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Newington, Cromwell and Middletown.

Lesser said he had not talked to Charamut by10 p.m. Tuesday, but that his results showed a clear victory in the race.

He said outside money flowed into the race in direct attacks on progressive policies, but voters are looking for a clear voice to support working families in the state.