As Connecticut's 23rd District Senate race begins to take shape, all three candidates are making their strategies for the up-coming primary in August.

Rev. Dr. Herron K Gaston of Summerfield United Methodist Church recently won the Democratic Party endorsement in the 23rd District Senate race.  He calls the victory an answer to a prayer.

"I was absolutely ecstatic to have won the nomination. I think that it was loud and clear from the folks that were in the room and the energy in the room and the excitement that night that people are excited about change," Gaston says.

Many Democrats are still throwing their support to incumbent State Sen. Dennis Bradley, who faces federal indictments amid allegations of campaign finance fraud. 

Gaston doesn’t want to talk about Bradley’s campaign.

“I want to talk about the positive, this is a campaign of compassion and decency," he told News 12.

Bradley, who got enough votes to primary Gaston says it would be a big mistake to underestimate the underdog.

"I am depending and relying that August 9th, the peoples' voice will be heard and I will be sent back to Hartford to continue to fight for the people of the 23rd District," says Bradley.

Meantime, candidate Juliemar Ortiz, who got two delegate votes says she will be petitioning to stay in the race.  "Our goal is 2,000 signatures."

The 23 Senate District is made up of parts of Bridgeport and Stratford.

More: State Sen. Bradley, campaign treasurer plead not guilty to wire fraud charges