Businessman Ned Lamont has defeated Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Ganim took the podium around 9:20 p.m. to thank his supporters and concede defeat.

"A few minutes ago I called Ned Lamont and congratulated him on his victory, a great victory, and a hard-fought, spirited primary," he said. "I said, you know, I think you're pretty tough."

In his victory speech, Lamont called for fiscal responsibility and fair economic policy.

Earlier in the day, Lemont voted at Greenwich High School Tuesday morning before setting out for a day of campaigning around the state.

Polls closed at 8 p.m.

Lamont awaited the results at the College Street Music Hall along with Susan Bysiewicz, his preferred running mate. She's running for the lieutenant governor nomination against Eva Bermudez Zimmerman. 

"We campaigners have been going out nonstop for the last eight months," he said. "I think you know enough about us to make up your mind."

Lamont had the Democratic Party's official endorsement, which means his appeared at the top of the ballot.