With a line still reaching out the door and well into the parking lot of Newtown Middle School by the time the May 26 Democratic Caucus was supposed to start at 6 pm, 460 Democratic voters showed up to cast a deciding vote between candidates Michelle Embree Ku and Brandon Moore for the Democratic nomination for the 106th state representative district.

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Alex Villamil said that the high turnout for a caucus "bodes well" for midterm elections.

When all the votes were cast and counted by 7:30 pm, Michelle Embree Ku was announced the winner by a count of 240 to 220.

Following the results, Moore did not rule out challenging Embree Ku in a primary in August, saying that the "old guard had decided" the race at the caucus. He said he would be making a decision soon.

If there is no primary, Embree Ku will face Republican incumbent Mitch Bolinsky for a rematch of the 2024 race for the 106th District that Bolinsky won, 8,127 (51.9%) to 7,535 (48.1%). Democrats at the caucus felt that they had a tailwind at their back in public sentiment that would help overcome the deficit from the previous election.

Embree Ku was nominated by former first selectman Herb Rosenthal, who said that Embree Ku had given her "time and talent to many organizations" such as the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, and Legislative Council. He pointed to her 17 years in politics, noting she "really knows the community and its needs" which is "essential" as a state representative.

"She's always willing to listen to residents and hear different positions," said Rosenthal. "I have no doubt she is the best choice and the best chance to beat Mitch Bolinsky."

Prerna Rao seconded the nomination, saying that "whenever Newtown needs someone to show up, Michelle Embree Ku is already in the room."

Embree Ku said that Connecticut had been "holding the line" against the "chaos" in Washington, D.C., noting that Attorney General William Tong, who endorsed her, has been "fighting and winning" legal challenges against the Trump administration.

"We want a representative that knows the community, will stand with the community, and will fight for the community," said Embree Ku. "I am that candidate."

Moore said that he was running because for the past seven elections, the Democrats have lost to Bolinsky.

"We must do something different if we want to win this election," said Moore. "My husband and I are raising our family in Newtown and love this town."

Moore said he might not have the long political resume Embree Ku has, but his resume was about helping people, from being a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan to working with Governor Ned Lamont to assist people coming out of detention facilities to find housing and jobs.

"I care about housing, I care about climate change, and I care about public education," said Moore. "I want my children to thrive with your children."

Moore said he was not the normal candidate, that he's "young, energetic, and openly gay."

After the vote, Moore noted he had lots of support of younger people, and it resulted in a tight match, however, the "older guard" had their say.

"We'll do whatever is possible to put a great Democrat on the ballot," said Moore.

Embree Ku said she appreciated so many people coming out to cast votes and that she was "very happy" with the results.

"I hope everyone stays this invested," said Embree Ku. "We need to win this seat and I know we can do it. I hope we can work together. This is about Democrats coming together to make sure to beat Mitch Bolinsky in November. I appreciate Brandon's campaign. We both worked hard to get people out."

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.