A Democratic newcomer swept the election Nov. 8 becoming the first elected mayor in the city in about nine decades.

Voters sent a resounding message that they wanted change and elected Daryl Justin Finizio, a lawyer who moved into New London about 18 months ago, over five other candidates, including three sitting city councilors.

"Our spirit is renewed. Our city is reborn,'' Finizio declared after the votes were tallied, standing before a packed room of supporters at Dev's on Bank restaurant. "New London will be the Renaissance city.''

Finizio will take office in December. He will replace the professional city manager form of government, which has been in place in the city since the 1920s.

In the hotly contested mayoral race, which began nearly a year ago, nearly 5,000, or roughly 40 percent, of the city's 12,793 voters showed up at the polls, compared to the 2009 municipal election, in which about 3,300 people voted.

Finizio won 2,185 votes. Democrat Michael Buscetto III, a two-term city councilor who ran a write-in campaign after losing the primary, pulled in 1,153 votes, and Republican Rob Pero, a city councilor for 16 years, received 1,057 votes.

City Councilor Martin T. Olsen Jr., Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh and Andrew Lockwood, all petitioning candidates, finished with fewer than 200 votes apiece.

In a concession speech at Republican headquarters, Pero thanked his supporters and congratulated Finizio. He urged his workers to support the new mayor.

"I really thank all of you from the bottom of my heart,'' said Pero, an eight term city councilor who began campaigning for mayor nearly a year ago. "We've been together for 16 years and will continue as a family. ... We are all New Londoners."

Voters also elected six Democrats and one Republican to serve two-year terms on the council.

Democrats Wade Hyslop Jr. and Michael Passero, both incumbents, and Anthony Nolan, John Maynard, Marie Friess-McSparran and Donald Macrino, were elected. Republican Adam Sprecace was re-elected to a third term.