Former Stamford mayor Malloy defeats Lamont in Democratic primary for Conn. governor

Malloy wins Democratic primary for Conn. governor

HARTFORD, Conn. — Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy has defeated businessman Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary for Connecticut governor, overcoming a better-known and better-funded opponent in the final weeks of the campaign.

Malloy on Tuesday narrowly bested Lamont after a campaign that turned negative, with the candidates trading accusations about each other’s records.

For Malloy, the primary victory was a redemption of sorts for his loss in the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial primary against New Haven Mayor John DeStefano. This time, Malloy said it was easier to differentiate himself from Lamont, a Greenwich businessman best known for challenging Sen. Joe Lieberman in 2006.

Malloy will face the winner of a three-way Republican primary.

Lamont spent more than $8.6 million in the losing effort.