O'Grady Wins Republican Primary for Probate Judge

NEWTOWN, CT — Based upon unofficial results, Dan O'Grady has won the primary for Republican candidate for probate judge to replace Judge Joe Egan who is retiring.
Results are as follows:

• 1164 for O'Grady
• 770 for Walsh

O'Grady said, "Thanks for your support everyone, onward to the general election in November."
Ridgefield, Redding, Newtown and Bethel registered Republicans voted Tuesday for Daniel O'Grady, who will run against Ridgefield Democrat Sharon Dornfeld and Jennifer Collins, a Ridgefield Republican who has collected over 325 signatures from registered voters. The overall winner will take over for Judge Joseph Egan who is retiring in October after reaching mandatory retirement age.

Walsh said in a statement, "First and foremost congratulations to Dan O’Grady in his primary victory. He ran a very good campaign and I wish him the best of luck in the general election. There are so many people to thank that it is impossible to name everyone but I must thank my wife, Kathleen. She worked tirelessly on my campaign. Also, my wonderful kids were so supportive. I could not have campaigned these past three months without their support and help. We may have come up short tonight but the past three months have been very special and I am grateful to all those who opened their doors and took the time to speak with me. To all my supporters and everyone who took time and voted for me I am sincerely grateful. Words cannot express the overwhelming sense of gratitude I feel knowing so many people were behind my efforts to Judge of Probate."
Collins said, "Congratulations to Dan on the primary result and to Patrick on a well run campaign. I look forward to the Special Election on November 8th."

Daniel O’Grady is the current Treasurer of the Town of Bethel, Attorney at Law and former Bethel Probate Judge. He has over 25 years experience in law with a concentration on Probate, Real Estate, Wills, Trusts, Criminal Defense & Bankruptcy in the Greater Danbury Area.

Jennifer Collins announced Tuesday that she has qualified for the November 8th Special Election ballot by collecting over 325 signatures from registered voters in the towns of Bethel, Newtown, Redding and Ridgefield. These signatures came from voters of all political backgrounds and were approved by the respective Town Clerks and the Secretary of the State.

Sharon Dornfeld and her family have lived in Ridgefield since 1984, and previously lived in Redding.
Ridgefield Democrats posted on their website that Dornfeld has "extensive experience in general civil litigation in both Superior Court and Probate Court. An attorney in private practice, and a sole practitioner since 1988, Ms. Dornfeld has expertise in the full range of matters that fall under purview of the Judge of Probate. In the Probate Court, Ms. Dornfeld has represented children in guardianship and adoption matters, served as Conservator and settled estates."

Northern Fairfield County Probate Court Judge Joseph Egan is retiring in October.