Taking 56 percent and 41 percent of the vote respectively, Mayor Ted Gatsas and Alderman Patrick Arnold took the top two spots in Manchester’s primary Tuesday.
The mayoral candidates will now face off in the city’s general election on Nov. 5.
Despite falling 15 points short of his opponent, Arnold, a Democrat, claimed victory, saying the results show people want a change in leadership.
Gatsas, a Republican, is seeking a third, two-year term.
Also, Democrat Mary Heath bested Republican Ross Terrio in a special election to fill a vacant state representative seat.
Heath, the state’s former deputy education commissioner, will represent District 14 in Manchester.
