Manny Santos is the winner of the GOP primary for the 5th Congressional District nomination.
Santos had the inside track as the endorsed candidate of the party. He won the party’s support at their convention back in May.
"A win for Republicans in this state is also a win for the people of this state. It is also a win for the taxpayers," Santos said in a victory speech Tuesday night.
He defeated businessman Rich DuPont and former college professor Ruby Corby O’Neill.
Santos is the former mayor of Meriden, one of the largest cities in the 5th Congressional District alongside Danbury, New Britain, and Waterbury.
He has struggled with fundraising, not even reaching $100,000 in total donations while his presumptive Democratic opponent Jahana Hayes has surpassed $450,000 in fundraising.
The winner of the 5th Congressional District will replace U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty who chose not to run for reelection after allegations of sexual assault in her office against a former staff member surfaced earlier in the year.