Bridgeport City Councilwoman Eneida Martínez and state Rep. Andre Baker, from East End politics, prepare to battle it out in the 124th District race for state representative.

Bridgeport Democrats held a nominating convention at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center on Tuesday night.

Councilwoman Martínez who was reelected to the City Council last fall is challenging five-term incumbent Baker.

Martinez says she believes the East End can be better served by her as state representative.

She told News 12 she does not believe her recent legal troubles will hamper her chances.

Martinez was accused of allegedly violating pandemic business restrictions at the Keystone Club she used to manage, and a judge found she mishandled absentee ballots in the recent mayoral race, leading to a do-over.

Martinez says there's no animosity between her and Baker, but it's time for "new progressive leadership."

Baker says he believes the city Council and he have been working well together to improve the East End. "I don't know what's motivating her to run. I thought that we were all effectively working together," said Baker.