Voters in Stratford turned out to select state Rep. John Harkins as the Republican candidate who will face incumbent Mayor Jim Miron in November.

Election officials say turnout this year was lower at the Stratford Republican mayoral primary than four years ago in the first-ever mayoral election. Harkins defeated businessman Jonathan Best by more than a thousand votes.

Both Harkins and Best said Miron has failed to accomplish his goals. They also believe the fledgling mayoral government could use Republican influence.