Beth Ladwig Leamon wins Democratic primary for 30th District probate

Attorney Beth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington has won the Democratic primary for probate judge in the 30th District, which encompasses Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.

The vote was 4,146 to 1,547, with Leamon, the party-endorsed candidate, receiving 72.83% of the votes, and challenger Sarah D. Moriarty of Groton receiving 27.17%, according to final results for the Aug. 11 primary from the Secretary of the State’s Office.

“I am ready to take the next steps toward the November 3, general election and eager to serve the community of the 30th District as their Judge of Probate,” Leamon said in a statement. “I wish to thank the voters in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington for their support, and the poll workers, town clerks and (registrars) of voters who braved the pandemic to ensure timely and accurate results. I also want to thank my family, campaign team and the democratic town committees in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington for their invaluable assistance during the primary.”

Leamon said she wanted to thank Moriarty for running a positive campaign. Leamon added that she is honored to be the Democratic candidate for judge of probate.

Leamon is the managing partner of Leckerling Ladwig & Leamon LLC in Madison and Pawcatuck, and serves on the Stonington Democratic Town Committee, Stonington Housing Authority and the local library board.

Attorney Moriarty is the owner of the law firm Deasy & Moriarty in Mystic and chair of the Mystic Historic District, and she volunteers for Mystic River Congregate, Groton Community Meals and Mystic Eats.

Moriarty could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

Attorney Matthew Berger had withdrawn from the race.

Republicans have endorsed Attorney Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck, who is a corporate member of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and also is involved in the Greater Mystic and Ocean Community chambers of commerce.

A special election will be held on Nov. 3 to elect the next judge of probate for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District, who will step in to serve the rest of Judge Nicholas Kepple’s term when he retires.

Kepple was re-elected in 2018 to a four-year term, but he will reach mandatory retirement age in September 2021, before the end of his term.