NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Arunun Arulampalam declared victory over Eric Coleman and John Fonfara in Hartford’s Democratic mayoral primary race.

The 37-year-old, chief executive of the Hartford Land Bank, said he wants to continue building on downtown investments and bring that into neighborhoods and housing.

“Rebuilding small businesses is the backbone to our economy,” Arulampalam said. “It’s so important investing in housing that leads to home ownership. We have the lowest homeownership rate in Connecticut, and then investing in our kids.”

Arulampalam was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Luke Bronin, who joined him Monday to talk with residents along Albany Avenue.

Last week, front-runner Arulampalam came under fire for comments about everyone having a say in what the city looks like during a fundraiser in Torrington.

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