In a court hearing on Tuesday, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim denied ever discussing absentee ballots with campaign volunteer Wanda Geter-Pataky, who has been accused of absentee ballot fraud in connection with Ganim's narrow victory in September's mayoral primary. Geter-Pataky, a local Democratic official and supporter, has been accused of stuffing papers that resembled ballots into a drop box multiple times, as seen on surveillance footage. Ganim distanced himself from Geter-Pataky during his testimony, stating that he had no discussions with her and did not ask his campaign staff to instruct her to do anything differently.

The primary results are being challenged by Ganim's opponent, John Gomes, who alleges absentee ballot fraud. Ganim won the primary by a margin of 251 votes out of 8,173 cast, with absentee ballots being crucial to his victory, as was the case in 2019. Gomes is seeking a new primary or to be declared the winner. The State Elections Enforcement Commission is conducting an investigation into the allegations.

During the court hearing, Geter-Pataky invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination multiple times and refused to answer questions about the allegations against her. She declined to confirm whether she was the woman seen on surveillance footage stuffing papers into the drop box. Eneida Martinez, a City Council member and current candidate, also declined to answer questions about appearing in additional videos shown in court.

Geter-Pataky's lawyer, John Gulash, stated that she was invoking her right to remain silent. He also mentioned that the controversy surrounding the Bridgeport videos has gained attention on right-wing social media platforms and far-right media, connecting it to the claims of a stolen 2020 election.

The court hearing is scheduled to resume on Thursday, with Gomes' lawyer expected to possibly wrap up his case. The judge, William Clark, aims to issue a decision in approximately two weeks. Despite the outcome of the court case, Gomes will still appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate.

The lawsuit and investigation into potential fraud in the Bridgeport primary have raised concerns about the integrity of the absentee ballot system. Ganim has implemented stricter measures for absentee ballot voting but emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone's vote counts, particularly in a city with a large elderly and disabled population.

The court proceedings come at a critical time, just weeks before the general election, when both Ganim and Gomes will be on the ballot again. The outcome of the court case may impact the mayoral race in Bridgeport moving forward.