Politics & Government

Moccia Concedes to Rilling

Moccia: We've had four great terms and walk out with our head held high. Rilling: We have a mandate.


Norwalk Mayor Moccia (R) conceded the race to Harry Rilling (D), former police chief of Norwalk at approximately 9:18.p.m. on Tuesday, with 85% of votes in: 7,047 votes for Rilling (56%), 5,600 for Moccia (44%).

"We've had four great terms and walk out with our head held high," Moccia said. Though Moccia cited possible resentment against Republicans for the federal government shutdown, he said he accepted any responsibility for "whatever I did not do for getting the message out." But, he continued, "I do feel that the city has progressed and that I am handing over a city in good shape to Mayor Elect Rilling."

"They ran a good campaign. They convinced people it was time for a chance...I've had 8 years that nobody thought I would ever have," Moccia said, adding that he was more disappointed for his family than for himself.

Rilling appeared on the podium flanked by Congressman Jim Himes, State Senator Bob Duff, State Rep. Chris Perone and State Rep. Bruce Morris at 9:23p.m. and thanked his two daughters and son. 

"It's been a long hard fight folks. February 24 I made my announcement and  I've been working seven days a week since that time. But you know what? It's worth it!" he said emphatically. 

"I want to recognize Kevin Coughlin, my campaign manager. There were many times Kevin had to calm me down, say sit me down and shut up. And he did it. But the most important thing...I would say, we stayed focus. We stayed positive. We kept on message. The message resonated with the people and the people spoke. And tonight. Tonight, we have a mandate!"

Rilling credited the volunteers for getting out the vote. He said volunteers had knocked on 7,000 doors and made 35,000 phone calls. 



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