SOUTHINGTON — Republican incumbent Donna Veach won the 30th House District race Tuesday night over Democratic challenger and former Town Manager Denise McNair while the race for the 22nd House District seat between Republican Francis Rexford-Cooley and Democrat Rebecca Martinez was too close to call.

As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cooley held a sizeable lead, but absentee ballots in Southington and Farmington had yet to be fully counted.

Cooley and Martinez were seeking to replace state Rep. Dr. William Petit, who did not seek re-election. The district was redrawn heading into this election to include part of Southington, which had not been part of the 22nd District previously. 

Cooley ran on what he called a “commonsense” platform, based around three central issues — the economy, education and crime. 

“I’m pleased with my campaign,” said Cooley. “Win, draw, or lose, I’m comfortable with the campaign I’ve ran. There will be no regrets.”

“The 22nd has been very supportive,” Martinez said. “It’s been a pleasure to meet so many people here [in the district], hearing their concerns.”

In the 30th House District, which covers a portion of Southington and most of Berlin, unofficial results showed Veach with a 3,376 to 2,777 edge over McNair in Berlin, and a 5,733 to 4,670 lead in Southington.

Veach’s re-election campaign was based on three core issues: the economy, further support to law enforcement, and education.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out,” Veach told supporters Tuesday night. “I can’t thank you all enough, because if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be standing up here doing this speech and thanking all of you. It’s all about us, and we’re a family.”