Former state Sen. Ernie Newton is one step closer to returning to his old seat on the Bridgeport City Council following Tuesday's primary vote.

This year also marks his seventh since being released from custody after a 2005 corruption conviction. At the time, he was the third most powerful lawmaker in the state. His other legal troubles include the possible appeal of a 2015 civil judgment for campaign finance fraud -- which he says he'll win. 

East End Democrats gave Newton a second-place win in a four-way primary for two city council seats, with the top spot going to incumbent Eneida Martinez. Newton will appear on the ballot in November if his narrow tally above Wanda Simmons holds up in next week's automatic recount.