David Chess secured a decisive victory Tuesday in Stratford’s Democratic primary for mayor, earning the party’s nomination, with 1,624 votes to opponent Linda Manos’ 204, according to unofficial results results.

Chess, a physician and longtime Stratford resident, was the party-endorsed candidate. He campaigned on his deep ties to the community and experience in public health, positioning himself as a steady leader for the town’s future.

Manos, vice chair of the town’s Zoning Commission, emphasized her record of local governance and community engagement throughout the race.

Also on the ballot was René Gibson, who won a seat on Tuesday, on the Town Council.

Gibson highlighted the importance of civic participation.

“It’s important to me because local government actually is mainstream government,” Gibson said. “It’s where the decisions are made after the federal government and the state government allocate funds to our towns and cities.”

Chess will now advance to the general election, where he will face the Republican nominee in the race to succeed Mayor Laura Hoydick.