Bristol Republicans sweep mayoral, city council and board of education elections

Republican Jeff Caggiano led his entire slate of candidates to victory on Tuesday in a stunning rout of the Democrats. The unofficial results on the Registrar of voters website Wednesday morning had Caggiano with 6,898 votes (52%) to Ellen Zoppo-Sassu’s 6,289 (48%), a margin of 609 votes in the race for Mayor.

In City Council District 1, Republican Jolene Lusitani led the way with 2,502 votes, closely followed by fellow Republican Sebastian Panioto with 2,479. Democrats Scott Rosado (2,375) and Greg Hahn (2,287) fell short.

In District 2, Sue Tyler was victorious with 2,595 votes. Fellow Republican Jackie Violette-Olsen closely followed with 2,382. Democrats Peter Kelley and Bob Mielcarz trailed with 2,061 and 1,735 votes respectively..

And in District 3, Cheryl Thibeault was the leader with 1,959 votes, followed by running mate Andrew Howe with 1,813. Democrats Mary Fortier (1,697)and Brittany Barney (1,579) followed.

The Republicans also had the top three vote totals for the Board of Education. Eric Carlson (7,081) was followed by Dante Tagariello (6,726) and Todd Sturgeon (6,523). No Democrat attained 6,000 votes, but Democrat Chris Wilson, with 5,809 votes will retain his seat over Sturgeon due to minority party representation requirements.

Bristol voters also rejected two of the three Charter questions. The Treasurer position will remain a two-year elected one, and the Registrar of Voters positions will remain two-year terms after changes endorsed by both parties were overwhelmingly rejected.

Election totals from Bristol Registrar of Voters website