Groundhog Day in Bridgeport: Another Election, Another Absentee Ballot Controversy
Former Democratic State Senator Dennis A. Bradley Jr. was arrested in connection with a state investigation into Bridgeport’s August 2026 Democratic primary. The primary featured a contested race for Judge of Probate between incumbent Paul Ganim and challenger Mark Bradley—Dennis Bradley's brother.
Charges of Absentee Ballot Fraud
Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin announced that Bradley was charged with (1) Two counts of Illegal Possession of Absentee Ballots and Envelopes, and (2) Being Present When an Absentee Ballot Applicant Executes an Absentee Ballot.
According to the arrest warrant, the investigation began after a resident lodged a complaint with local police and the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). Prosecutors allege that Bradley entered a voter's apartment, opened her previously completed absentee ballot, and instructed her on how to alter her vote from Paul Ganim to Mark Bradley. Video footage captured inside the residence was provided to authorities as part of the evidence.
Bradley's legal counsel has stated that Bradley maintains his innocence and denies all charges. This state arrest follows a separate federal case earlier in the year, in which Bradley was convicted on federal wire fraud charges stemming from misuse of public campaign financing funds during his 2018 state senate campaign.
Commenting on the allegations, Greenwich Registrar of Voters Fred DeCaro highlighted the seriousness of the breach: "Imagine someone coming into your house and opening your ballot."
A video segment titled "A Closer Look" hosted by News 8 (WTNH) Chief Political Correspondent Mike Cerulli and Digital Anchor Julia Gorman—provides a helpful summary of the case.
Between the Lines: While CT officials maintain that our elections are safe and secure, recurring absentee ballot investigations in Bridgeport—especially when backed by camera footage—chip away at voter confidence.