Stamford Democrats have endorsed state Rep. Caroline Simmons for mayor in a 21-19 vote.

Simmons defeated longtime Mayor David Martin, who was elected seven years ago.

Martin can still collect enough signatures to force a primary. If he does, Democratic voters will decide who gets the nomination on Sept. 14.

The ultimate winner will face a Republican, as well as former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine. Valentine has already raised $300,000 running as an independent candidate. He had even collected donations from former President George W. Bush.